Russian missile strike on Merefa kills 7, injures dozens in Kharkiv region

On 2026-05-05, Russian forces reportedly struck Merefa in Ukraine's Kharkiv region with an Iskander-type ballistic missile around 9:35 a.m. local time. Ukrainian officials said at least seven people were killed and more than 30 were injured, including a 2-year-old child. The blast damaged homes, shops, and other buildings in the town center.