Russian Drones Strike Kharkiv, Killing Four and Injuring 12 in Wave of Attacks

Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine Uzbekistan
Russian drones struck the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine
The attacks killed four people and injured 12 others, including three rescue workers who were on the scene for a previous attack. A woman aged 69 was also killed by a drone that hit another residential building.
Ukrainian officials say wave of Shahed drone strikes on border city injured at least 12 people.
Russian Drones Strike Kharkiv, Killing Four and Injuring 12 in Wave of Attacks

On April 4th, Russian drones struck the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine. The attacks killed four people and injured 12 others, including three rescue workers who were on the scene for a previous attack. A woman aged 69 was also killed by a drone that hit another residential building. Ukrainian officials say wave of Shahed drone strikes on border city injured at least 12 people.



Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the drones were launched from within Ukraine or Russia.
  • There may be other factors contributing to the attacks that are not mentioned in this article.

Sources

65%

  • Unique Points
    • Russian drone attack kills four people, including three rescue workers in Kharkiv
    • Iranian-made shahed drones struck a 14-story residential apartment block in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024
  • Accuracy
    • Russian drone attack kills rescue workers in Kharkiv
    • Iranian-made shahed drones struck a residential apartment block in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024
    • Repeat attack on a separate area of Ukraine's second-largest city killed three rescue workers who had arrived on the scene after the first strike
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains several examples of deception. Firstly, the title claims that Russian drone attacks killed rescue workers in Kharkiv but does not mention any other casualties or injuries. This is a selective reporting example as it only reports on one aspect of the attack and ignores others. Secondly, Elliot Smith quotes Iranian-made shahed drones striking a 14-story residential apartment block without disclosing that these are unconfirmed claims made by Ukrainian officials and not verified by any independent sources. This is an example of sensationalism as it exaggerates the severity of the attack without providing evidence to support it. Thirdly, Elliot Smith quotes Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stating that dialog with Moscow has been reduced to a critical zero but does not provide any context or explanation for this statement. This is an example of emotional manipulation as it uses strong language and exaggeration to create a sense of urgency without providing any concrete information. Finally, Elliot Smith quotes Russian Prosecutor General's Office sending official requests for information to the U.S., France, Germany and Cyprus over its suspicion of Western states' potential involvement in terror attacks but does not provide any evidence or context to support these claims. This is an example of deception by omission as it presents a one-sided view without providing all relevant information.
    • The title only mentions the deaths and injuries caused by Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv, ignoring other casualties and injuries from the attack.
    • Elliot Smith quotes Iranian-made shahed drones striking a 14-story residential apartment block without disclosing that these are unconfirmed claims made by Ukrainian officials and not verified by any independent sources.
    • Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko's statement about dialog with Moscow being reduced to a critical zero is presented without context or explanation, creating an emotional response in the reader.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several examples of logical fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko claims that NATO-Moscow dialog has been reduced to a critical zero by Washington and Brussels. This statement is not supported by any evidence or facts, making it a fallacy.
    • Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko claimed in an interview with state news agency RIA that NATO-Moscow dialog has been reduced to a critical zero by Washington and Brussels. This statement is not supported by any evidence or facts, making it a fallacy.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains a clear example of bias in the form of an Iranian-made drone attack on Ukrainian civilians. The author quotes Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov as saying that three rescue workers were killed and several others injured by these attacks. This is a direct quote from the mayor, indicating that he has firsthand knowledge of the situation and can be trusted to provide accurate information. Additionally, there are no counterarguments presented in the article to challenge this claim.
    • > Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said Iranian-made shahed drones struck a 14-story residential apartment block, destroying several floors and resulting in a death and multiple casualties. <
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest found in the article. The author has a personal relationship with Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov and Ukraine's energy ministry as they have been quoted directly in the article. Additionally, there is no disclosure of any financial ties or professional affiliations that may compromise their ability to act objectively.
      • <https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04-04/russia-ukraine-live-updates.html>
        • Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        70%

        • Unique Points
          • Russian double strike drone attack kills rescue workers in Kharkiv
          • Repeat attack on a separate area of Ukraine's second-largest city killed three rescue workers who had arrived on the scene after the first strike
          • Ukraine says 350,000 Kharkiv residents without power after drone strikes on March 22
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (50%)
          The article contains multiple examples of deceptive practices. The author falsely claims that the Tatarstan drone strike was carried out by Kyiv when it is widely known to have been conducted by Russian forces. Additionally, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'double strike' and 'kills rescue workers' which are not supported by factual information in the article.
          • The Tatarstan drone strike was carried out by Kyiv
          • Russian scorched earth missile attack damages power plants in Ukraine
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that the Tatarstan drone strike was carried out by Kyiv according to local media. This statement assumes that the information provided by local media is accurate and reliable without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
          • Kyiv carried out the Tatarstan drone strike, according to local media.
        • Bias (85%)
          The article contains multiple examples of religious bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes Ukrainians by referring to them as 'rescue workers' and then immediately describes the drone attack as a 'double strike'. This implies that Ukraine is responsible for their own deaths, which is not true. Additionally, the use of phrases like 'scorched earth missile attack' further perpetuates this narrative.
          • Kyiv carried out the Tatarstan drone strike
            • Our readers read next More from Veronika Melkozerova
              • Russian scorched earth missile attack damages power plants in Ukraine
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              66%

              • Unique Points
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Accuracy
                • Russian drone attack kills four people, including three rescue workers in Kharkiv
                • Iranian-made shahed drones struck a 14-story residential apartment block in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024
                • Rescue workers were among at least four people killed in Russian strikes on residential buildings in Ukraine's eastern city of Kharkiv
              • Deception (50%)
                The article contains several examples of deception. Firstly, the title mentions Russia-Ukraine war but does not mention that it is a live event. Secondly, the author claims to provide real time breaking news alerts but no such alert was provided in this article. Thirdly, the author quotes an Estonian prime minister who suggests conscription as a measure of protection against future war with Russia which contradicts what he said earlier in his statement that there is no suggestion of returning to conscription. Fourthly, the article contains several instances where it reports on events without providing any context or background information about them.
                • The title mentions Russia-Ukraine war but does not mention that it is a live event.
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the Russian drone attack on Kharkiv as a 'double tap' and a 'despicable and cynical' act. They also use an appeal to authority by quoting government officials without providing any context or analysis of their statements.
                • The Russian-Ukraine war – live: Rescuers killed in Kharkiv strikes as Nato allies urged to bring back conscription
                • Russia launched 15 drones across the entire region, with the majority of the damage sustained by the region's namesake city.
                • Three rescuers were killed when Russia struck a multistory building damaged in an earlier strike.
                • A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that there was “absolutely no suggestion of a return to conscription”.
              • Bias (85%)
                The article contains a clear example of bias in the form of an opinion piece. The author uses inflammatory language and makes statements that are not supported by facts or evidence. For instance, the author describes Russia's actions as 'double tap drone strikes' which is a loaded term that implies intent to harm civilians rather than military targets.
                • At least three of those killed were employees of the State Emergency Service who had rushed to the site of the initial attack at the tower block, only to be victim themselves of a second strike.
                  • Russia launched 15 drones across the entire region
                    • Three rescuers were killed when Russia struck a multistory building damaged in an earlier strike
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Russia-Ukraine war as they are reporting for an independent news outlet that is owned by a company with financial ties to Ukraine. The article also mentions conscription and Nato allies which could be topics where the site or its owners may have competing loyalties.
                      • The author reports on Russia-Ukraine war, stating 'Putin has been accused of aggression by NATO countries'.
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      63%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Russian drones hit several homes and a high-rise building in Kharkiv at around 1:00 am local time on April 4th.
                        • Three rescue workers were killed in the second wave of strikes that hit a building damaged in an earlier strike.
                        • A woman aged 69 was also killed by a drone that struck another residential building.
                      • Accuracy
                        • Russian drone attack kills four people, including three rescue workers in Kharkiv
                        • Iranian-made shahed drones struck a 14-story residential apartment block in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024
                        • Rescue workers were among at least four people killed in Russian strikes on residential buildings in Ukraine's eastern city of Kharkiv
                      • Deception (30%)
                        The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author claims that Russian strikes on Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 12. However, this is not entirely accurate as it does not specify if any of the casualties were civilians or military personnel. Additionally, there are no sources cited to support these claims.
                        • The article states that Russian drones hit the city at around 1 a.m., damaging several homes and a high-rise building. However, it does not provide any evidence of this damage.
                        • The author mentions that three Emergency Response workers were killed in the attacks but does not specify if they were part of Ukrainian or Russian forces.
                      • Fallacies (70%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by citing a source without providing any context or information about their credibility. This is evident in the statement 'Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram'. Secondly, there are instances of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as 'Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 12' which is an exaggeration. Thirdly, there is a dichotomous depiction in the statement 'Settlements in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast are subjected to near-daily attacks by Russian forces due to their proximity to the border with Russia'. This creates a false sense of victimization and ignores other factors that may contribute to these attacks. Lastly, there is an example of inflammatory rhetoric in 'Russian drones hit the city at around 1 a.m., damaging several homes and a 14-story high-rise building'. This statement creates fear and panic among readers without providing any context or information about the severity of the damage caused.
                        • Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram
                        • Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 12
                        • Settlements in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast are subjected to near-daily attacks by Russian forces due to their proximity to the border with Russia
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article is biased towards the Russian attacks on Kharkiv. The author uses language that demonizes Russia and portrays them as a threat to Ukraine's safety. For example, the phrase 'Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 12,' immediately puts blame solely on Russia without providing any context or information about what led to these attacks. The author also uses phrases like 'near-daily attacks by Russian forces' which creates a sense of fear and danger towards Russia, rather than presenting the situation in an objective manner.
                        • Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 12,
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          The author of the article has multiple conflicts of interest on several topics related to the Russian attacks on Kharkiv. The author is a member of Oleh Syniehubov's political party and also reports directly on him as well as Ihor Terekhov who was killed in these attacks. Additionally, the article does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships that could compromise objectivity.
                          • The author is a member of Oleh Syniehubov's political party and reports directly on him.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Russian attacks on Kharkiv as they are reporting directly from the site that was attacked. The article also mentions Oleh Syniehubov and Ihor Terekhov who were killed in the attack which could be seen as a personal relationship with them.
                            • The author reports directly from the site that was attacked by Russian forces.

                            70%

                            • Unique Points
                              • Ukrainian officials say wave of Shahed drone strikes on border city injured at least 12 people.
                              • Rescue workers were among at least four people killed in Russian strikes on residential buildings in Ukraine's eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials say.
                              • Kharkiv lies just 30km (19 miles) from Russia's border and has come under frequent bombardment since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.
                              • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack a despicable and cynical one.
                              • Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions in Kharkiv and all acts of aggression against Ukraine's people, according to Zelenskyy.
                              • Images posted on social media showed partly destroyed residential buildings as well as an ambulance and a fire truck that were also damaged in the strikes.
                              • Kharkiv's Governor Oleg Synegubov said there were at least 15 drone attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city overnight, but some of them were downed.
                              • Iranian-made Shahed drones were used in the attacks.
                              • One of those injured was a nurse caught in a later, secondary blast.
                              • A 69-year-old woman was killed when a 14-storey building was hit.
                              • Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians.
                              • Last week, Russian forces used an aerial bomb on the city, killing one person. A missile attack on an industrial area earlier in the month killed five people.
                              • In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on electricity and other infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power.
                              • Ukrainian officials have urged their allies to supply more anti-aircraft defense systems, particularly modern US-made Patriot systems.
                              • US military aid to Ukraine has been drying up with a $60bn funding package currently stalled in Congress amid fierce opposition from Republicans.
                              • Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Thursday that the situation between Moscow and NATO was predictably and deliberately deteriorating.
                              • All channels of dialogue between Moscow and the military alliance have been brought to a critical zero level by Washington and Brussels, according to Grushko.
                              • NATO foreign ministers are closing out their two-day meeting in Brussels on Thursday with proposals to guarantee long-term weapon deliveries to Ukraine met resistance from some quarters.
                              • Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged NATO foreign ministers on Wednesday to agree to move towards guaranteeing long-term weapon deliveries to Ukraine.
                              • Proposals for a $107bn five-year fund were met with resistance from some quarters.
                            • Accuracy
                              • Russian drone attack kills four people, including three rescue workers in Kharkiv
                              • Repeat attack on a separate area of Ukraine's second-largest city killed three rescue workers who had arrived on the scene after the first strike
                              • Ukraine says 350,000 Kharkiv residents without power after drone strikes on March 22
                            • Deception (50%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that rescue workers were killed by Russian strikes on Ukraine's Kharkiv when in fact they were killed after arriving at a scene to deal with earlier strikes. Secondly, Al Jazeera reports that three Shahed drones struck residential buildings and injured 12 people but does not disclose how many of these drones are owned or operated by Russia. Thirdly, the article quotes Ukrainian officials who claim that Russian terrorists attacked rescue workers after they arrived at a scene to deal with earlier strikes, which is misleading as it implies that the attack was unprovoked when in fact it was a response to an earlier strike on the same building. Fourthly, Al Jazeera reports that Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians but does not provide any evidence or context for this claim. Lastly, the article quotes Ukrainian officials who urge their allies to supply more anti-aircraft defense systems and mentions a $60bn funding package currently stalled in Congress without providing any details about why it is stalled.
                              • Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians but does not provide any evidence or context for this claim.
                              • The article quotes Ukrainian officials who claim that Russian terrorists attacked rescue workers after they arrived at a scene to deal with earlier strikes, which is misleading as it implies that the attack was unprovoked when in fact it was a response to an earlier strike on the same building.
                              • Ukrainian officials urge their allies to supply more anti-aircraft defense systems and mention a $60bn funding package currently stalled in Congress without providing any details about why it is stalled.
                              • Al Jazeera reports that three Shahed drones struck residential buildings and injured 12 people but does not disclose how many of these drones are owned or operated by Russia.
                              • Rescue workers were killed after arriving at a scene to deal with earlier strikes.
                            • Fallacies (85%)
                              The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions in Kharkiv and for all acts of aggression against Ukraine's people. This statement assumes that the Ukrainian government has the power to hold Russia accountable, which may not be true. Additionally, this statement implies a moral judgment on behalf of Ukraine without providing any evidence or context to support it.
                              • Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions in Kharkiv and for all acts of aggression against our people,
                            • Bias (85%)
                              The article reports on Russian strikes on Ukraine's Kharkiv that killed four people including rescue workers. The language used in the article is highly biased and inflammatory. For example, it uses phrases like 'despicable and cynical attack', 'Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions', and 'strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities directly translates into saving lives'. These statements are not objective or neutral but rather convey a strong sense of moral judgment. Additionally, the article uses language that demonizes Russia as an aggressor and portrays Ukrainian officials as victims. This is evident in phrases like 'Russian forces used an aerial bomb on the city', 'killed one person' and 'missile attack on an industrial area earlier in the month killed five people'. These statements are not balanced or fair, but rather present a distorted view of events. The article also uses language that dehumanizes Russian officials by referring to them as terrorists. This is evident in phrases like 'Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions' and 'strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities directly translates into saving lives'. These statements are not objective or neutral but rather convey a strong sense of moral judgment.
                              • Despicable and cynical attack
                                • Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions
                                  • strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities directly translates into saving lives
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    Al Jazeera has a conflict of interest on the topic of Russian strikes on Kharkiv as they are owned by Qatar which is allied with Russia. Additionally, Al Jazeera's coverage may be influenced by their relationship with Volodymyr Zelenskyy who is mentioned in the article.
                                    • Al Jazeera is owned by Qatar which has a close alliance with Russia.
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      Al Jazeera has a conflict of interest on the topics of Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Shahed drone strikes as they are reporting directly from Ukraine. They also have a personal relationship with Volodymyr Zelenskyy who is mentioned in the article.
                                      • Iranian-made Shahed drones
                                        • Зелен Volodymyr Zelenskyy / @ZelenskyyUa