Russians killed a woman and injured seven civilians in attacks on Kharkiv region on January 17
The press service of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported that on January 17, 2026, Russian troops launched a series of strikes on Kharkiv and settlements in the region, resulting in fatalities and injuries, as well as significant destruction of civilian infrastructure.
In Kharkiv, the shelling continued between 14:10 and 14:30. According to preliminary data, the city was attacked by “Tornado-S” multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). As a result of the strikes, a critical infrastructure facility was damaged. Two men and a woman were injured.
In the Kupiansk District, around 11:00, an enemy FPV drone struck a public transport stop in the village of Borivske. A 52-year-old woman was killed in the attack.
On the same day, a drone attacked a civilian car in the village of Starovirivka. Two civilians — a 42-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man — sustained injuries and burns. The drone type is currently being determined.
In the Bohodukhiv District, specifically in the village of Zolochiv, preliminary information indicates that the strike was carried out by a “Molniya” type drone. Two shops and a police service vehicle were damaged. Two people were injured as a result of the attack.
Under the procedural guidance of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, pre-trial investigations have been initiated into the commission of war crimes under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
To provide background, during the afternoon of January 17, Russian troops attacked the Industrial District of Kharkiv. As a result, a critical infrastructure facility was damaged, and there were casualties.
Ukrainian experts point out that countries including China, North Korea, Hungary, Slovakia, Iran, and Brazil assist Moscow in killing Ukrainians in its war against Ukraine by funding the Russian budget through trade.
Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Ukraine would close its embassy in Cuba and downgrade ties over Havana’s complicity in Russian aggression.
Newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN Andriy Melnyk stated in an interview with Suspilne broadcaster that Brazil paid Russia almost $10 billion for 6.5 million tons of diesel.
Over the last three and a half years, China has become a critically important partner for the Russian Federation. While Beijing officially declares its neutrality, Western intelligence and analytical studies indicate otherwise. For instance, China does not supply weapons directly to Russia, but it provides critically important components, including machinery, microelectronics, specialized chemicals, optics, gunpowder, and ammunition components.
In 2024, then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that 70% of heavy industrial equipment and 90% of all microelectronics are sourced from China, which then flows into Russia.
Furthermore, according to recent NATO intelligence data, 80% of all Russian drones consist of Chinese parts.
According to The Telegraph newspaper, Chinese firms supplied sanctioned Russian companies with at least £47 million ($57.4 million USD) worth of parts between 2023 and 2024. Almost a quarter of the value of these supplies went to firms that produce Shahed-type drones.
Moreover, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine stated that China is also providing intelligence to Russia. The Kremlin used this data to prepare missile strikes, particularly against objects belonging to foreign investors, though the specific targets were not clarified. China denies these accusations.
Following the imposition of Western sanctions, Beijing has become a key supplier to Russia of cars, clothing, raw materials, and a range of other goods. In 2023, Russia-China trade turnover set a historic record, exceeding $240 billion, which is more than 60% higher than before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Chinese customs data.
Reuters also reported that China is buying oil and gas from Russia. The average daily volume of oil is more than two million barrels per day. During Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, the countries signed a document for the supply of 106 billion cubic meters of gas per year to China.
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