Fatalities reported and individuals unaccounted for following Russian attack on hardware store in Kharkiv

At least two people have been killed and others are missing after a Russian strike hit a large hardware store in Kharkiv, Ukraine on Saturday, according to officials.

"Two Russian guided aerial bombs hit a construction hypermarket in Kharkiv. According to updated reports, two people were killed," Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said in a post on Telegram.

Specialized services are on the scene, providing assistance to all the injured," according to Syniehubov. He also mentioned that there are no military objects nearby.

The two individuals who tragically lost their lives were employees of the hypermarket, as confirmed by Oleksandr Filchakov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

The strike that occurred on Saturday afternoon has raised concerns about the potential increase in casualties.

According to Kharkiv’s city mayor Ihor Terekhov, there were approximately 200 individuals inside the building when the strike took place. He also mentioned that authorities have been unable to contact around 15 employees of the store.

President Zelensky described the strike as a "brutal attack" in a post on X, expressing concern that up to 200 people may have been inside at the time.

Interior Minister Klymenko stated that the hypermarket contains "significant amounts of flammable materials," making firefighting efforts challenging. He also warned of the potential for the fire to spread to nearby warehouses.

“At the same time, there is a constant threat of repeated enemy shelling,” Klymenko said.

There is "not a single military object" near the civilian hypermarket, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said

There is "not a single military object" near the civilian hypermarket, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said

Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Fire "completely engulfed" the 10,000 square meter building, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Fire "completely engulfed" the 10,000 square meter building, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

The attack comes as Russian forces continue to advance in the Kharkiv region after crossing the northern border earlier this month and opening a new front in the conflict.

A firefighter stands in the ruins of a printing house in Kharkiv, after a barrage of Russian strikes hit northeastern Ukraine on May 23.

A firefighter stands in the ruins of a printing house in Kharkiv, after a barrage of Russian strikes hit northeastern Ukraine on May 23.

Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

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At least 7 people lost their lives in Kharkiv due to Russian strikes on Thursday. The attacks hit various places in the city, including a printing house.

After the attack on Saturday, Zelensky emphasized the importance of having sufficient air defense systems and modern combat aircraft to prevent similar Russian strikes. He stated that if Ukraine had these capabilities, such attacks would not have been possible.

Zelensky called on all leaders and states to support Ukraine in significantly strengthening its air defense. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.

This task is crucial and requires the collaboration of the entire world. We appeal to the world daily, asking for air defense to help save lives. Any delay in providing support results in the loss of our people," Zelensky emphasized.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Editor's P/S:

The Russian strike on a hardware store in Kharkiv, Ukraine, is a senseless and tragic act of violence. Two innocent people have been killed, and many more are missing or injured. This attack is a reminder of the horrors of war and the devastating impact it has on civilians.