UKRAINE, KHARKIV, Jun 30 — Last week, the Kharkiv Emergency Department recorded a strike on the city by a new type of drone called Chernika, said Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv mayor.

Terekhov explained that the Chernika drone carries an explosive charge similar to the Russian Molniya drone but differs in design and flight capabilities.

Russians used Chernika for the first time this spring, said Oleksandr Kovalenko, military observer, on April 30. 

He said the Chernika is a lightweight drone designed in a “flying wing” configuration that enhances range and stealth. It can carry an explosive payload of up to 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) over distances exceeding 80 kilometers (50 miles).

“The drone has a target acquisition system and can fly even in suppression and loss of control signal. Also, Chernika is cheap because Russians make it with foam plastic and sticks,” said Kovalenko.

Over the last week, Russian forces launched 73 drones of various types on Kharkiv Oblast, killing five and injuring 28 people, said Oleh Syniehubov, governor of Kharkiv Oblast.

On June 30, Russian forces conducted a drone attack on five settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, killing two and injuring eight people.

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