Tragic Events Unfold in Kharkiv
Russia’s strike on a hardware superstore in Kharkiv, Ukraine, resulted in a devastating loss of life, with the death toll rising to 11 individuals. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, May 25, targeted the ‘Epitsentr’ store, as confirmed by Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Synegubov.
Details of the Attack
The strike led to the tragic deaths of 11 people, as reported by Synegubov. Initially, six individuals lost their lives on the spot, while 40 were wounded, and 16 were reported missing following the impact of two guided Russian bombs on the store.
Epitsentr, a popular hardware chain located in a residential area of Kharkiv, was left in ruins, with thick black smoke billowing from the store as firefighters battled the blaze ignited by the bombs.
Eye-Witness Accounts
One eye-witness, Lyubov, a cleaner at the store, described the sudden and chaotic nature of the attack. She recounted the harrowing experience of escaping the burning building, highlighting the confusion and fear that gripped those present during the strike.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that approximately 120 people were inside the hardware store at the time of the bombing, emphasizing the deliberate targeting of civilians in what he termed as an act of terrorism.
International Condemnation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a heinous act of violence against innocent civilians. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for authorizing such brutal actions, labeling them as vile and inhumane.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his outrage at the attack, deeming it unacceptable and reaffirming France’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Further Tragedy Strikes
Following the hardware store attack, another missile strike hit a residential building in Kharkiv, injuring at least 18 individuals. The impact of the missile left a significant crater in the pavement, underscoring the destructive nature of the assault.
Additionally, Ukrainian attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region resulted in the loss of four lives and left 12 others injured, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
