Russian airstrike kills 2, injures 24 at Kharkiv hypermarket

A series of Russian attacks on Kharkiv has resulted in at least two people being killed and 24 injured in an airstrike on a home improvement hypermarket, local authorities reported. Shortly afterward, a second attack occurred. At this moment, there is no information about additional casualties.

The target of the Russian attack was a home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv. Volodymyr Zelensky reported on social media that about 200 people could have been in the hypermarket at the time of the shelling. He added that if Ukrainian forces had sufficient air defense resources, such attacks would be impossible.

"And that is why we appeal to all leaders, to all states: we need a significant enhancement of air defense and sufficient capabilities to destroy Russian terrorists." Zelensky wrote. "Every day, we call on the world to provide us with air defense and to save our people. Every unmade decision to support us results in the loss of our people.," he added.

After the attack, a fire broke out, engulfing the entire building. Officials report that firefighting operations are ongoing at the scene but are challenging.

"The firefighting operation is hindered by a significant amount of flammable materials and the possibility of the fire spreading to nearby warehouses. At the same time, there is a continuous threat of additional bombings by the enemy," Ukrainian rescue services said in a statement.

"Two people were killed, 24 people were injured, and there could have been hundreds of people inside," wrote Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional authorities, on Telegram.

Another attack was reported by the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov. "One more strike has just hit the Central Park. Reports of casualties and destruction are being clarified", Terekhov wrote on Telegram.