Ukrainian President Zelensky’s Response to Russian Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “vile” and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that only madmen like him are capable of killing and terrorizing people.
Situation in Kharkiv
Zelensky revealed that over 200 people were feared to be inside a DIY superstore in the northeastern city of Kharkiv when it was hit by Russia. He shared this information on Telegram, emphasizing that the target was “obviously civilian”.
Details of the Attack
Reports from Ukrainian officials indicated that a Russian strike at a hardware superstore in Kharkiv resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left 33 others wounded. Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Synegubov stated that “two Russian guided bombs hit a construction hypermarket”, with the casualties being workers at the store.
Firefighters’ Efforts
Despite the devastation, firefighters managed to contain the fire, which had spread over an area of 10,000 square meters, preventing further damage.
Zelensky’s Strong Words
Zelensky reiterated his condemnation of the attack, describing it as a “brutal blow” and emphasizing that only individuals like Putin would resort to such violence. He highlighted the presence of numerous workers and shoppers at the time of the strike, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Mayor’s Statement
Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov reported that around 200 people were inside the store during the attack, with 15 workers unaccounted for. He denounced the incident as “pure terrorism”, echoing the sentiments of the Ukrainian President.