Russian airstrike on Izium in Kharkiv Oblast kills two
As a result of a Russian attack on Izyum in the Kharkiv region, two civilians were killed, and a 60-year-old woman was injured, according to Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration and the State Emergency Service (SES).
“Two people died as a result of an enemy airstrike on the city of Izyum. A 60-year-old woman was also affected, suffering an acute stress reaction,” the official wrote.
The SES clarified that Russian troops conducted several strikes on the city using guided aerial bombs.
One of the hits occurred on the territory of a private household — a residential house was significantly destroyed. In addition, nearby private homes and multi-story buildings were damaged.
“During emergency rescue operations, rescuers recovered the bodies of two deceased persons — a man and a woman — from under the rubble. Another person was injured. Rescuers also managed to save a pet dog,” the agency noted.
To provide background, in the Kharkiv region, in the Novovodolaha community, the number of victims resulting from the Russian enemy strike on a gas station that occurred on December 12 has risen. A 45-year-old man who was seriously injured during the Russian attack died in the hospital.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during an online conversation with journalists on December 20, 2025, that the ruler of Russia Vladimir Putin currently does not feel such pressure from the United States of America that would compel him to agree to peace in Ukraine, therefore this pressure should be increased.
The President stated that Russia “cannot change its position on its own,” which consists of the complete occupation of Ukraine and the destruction of its independence. Therefore, in his opinion, additional pressure on Russia is needed, particularly regarding its revenues.
“If Russia’s actions is not diplomacy – America must speak clearly: if it is not diplomacy, then there will be full pressure. Completely. There will be a very strong weapons package for Ukraine, there will be very strong support for Ukraine, the United States will impose sanctions completely on the entire economy and on all sectors that bring money (to Russia.” the President said.
