The town of Merefa in Kharkiv region was struck by a missile on Monday, killing five people and wounding 18, officials said. Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported significant damage to homes, shops and public buildings, and prosecutors suspect an Iskander-type ballistic missile. Emergency services released images of heavy destruction and injured civilians, and there was no immediate comment from Moscow.
Missile Strike on Merefa Kills Five, Wounds 18 — Officials Say
A firefighter extinguishes a car, which was damaged during a Russian missile strike in the town of Merefa, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, May 4, 2026. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region/Handout via REUTERS
A Russian missile struck the town of Merefa in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region on Monday, killing five people and wounding 18, Ukrainian officials said.
Casualties and Damage
Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the dead included two men and three women. He added that 18 people were injured, with four taken to hospital in serious condition. The blast damaged at least 10 houses, an administrative building, four shops, a car repair workshop and a food establishment.
Weapon Reportedly Used
Regional prosecutors said investigators believe an Iskander-type ballistic missile was used in the attack.
On-the-Ground Response
Emergency services posted images showing a building with a damaged roof and blown-out windows, a firefighter extinguishing a burning car, and rescuers attending to an injured woman. Local authorities described the strike as an attack on civilian infrastructure "quite far from the front."
Context
There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Russia has repeatedly denied deliberately targeting civilians during the conflict, though attacks since its full-scale invasion in February 2022 have killed thousands of non-combatants. Ukraine has also struck civilian targets inside Russia or in Russian-occupied areas, but on a much smaller scale.
Reporting: Anna Pruchnicka. Editing: Alex Richardson and Kevin Liffey.
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