“Kharkiv hasn’t seen destruction like this since the beginning of the war”: 85% of the debris cleared after the January 2 strike, work continues

January 2, 2026, will forever remain a dark date in Kharkiv’s history.

The Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, Ihor Terekhov, said on the “United News” broadcast that 85% of the debris has already been cleared, but the search-and-rescue operation continues. The bodies of six victims have been identified.

“Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing. They do not stop for a minute, regardless of the time of day. Employees of the State Emergency Service, forensics experts, police, and our municipal services are all working.”

▪️ 85% of the debris from the completely destroyed buildings has been cleared
▪️ 6 people identified through DNA testing
▪️ More than 40 buildings damaged in the historic city center
▪️ 1,300+ windows shattered by the blast wave
▪️ A city hospital was damaged

This strike became one of the most devastating for Kharkiv since the start of the full-scale invasion.

The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.