Children among dozens injured as Russian glide bombs hit Kharkiv, 3 dead

On October 5, Russian forces struck the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with glide bombs, resulting in at least three deaths and 39 injuries, including children. The enemy targeted Kharkiv with a minimum of three glide bombs, specifically recorded in the Slobidskyi district. The strikes caused warehouses to catch fire and residential buildings to sustain damage. A search and rescue operation is currently underway to ensure there are no survivors trapped under the rubble of a residential building that was destroyed in the attack.

Russian glide bombs, or KABs (Kerovana Aviabomba), are modified aerial bombs equipped with wings and precision guidance systems like GPS, laser, or infrared targeting. Unlike standard free-fall bombs, KABs can glide for tens of kilometers before impact, enabling Russian aircraft, typically the Su-34, to release them from a distance without being within the range of Ukrainian air defense missiles or fighters.

The warhead sizes vary by model, typically between 300 kilograms and 3 metric tons, capable of destroying multi-story buildings with a direct hit. Russian forces employ glide bombs against critical, fortified, or entrenched targets, such as bridges, command posts, or drone teams identified by reconnaissance assets.

Russia frequently launches fatal strikes on civilian infrastructure in various Ukrainian cities, continuing its war efforts. Kharkiv, due to its close proximity to the front line, is a frequent target.