Russians bomb shopping centre in Kharkiv, multiple dead and injured

(Patria) - At least two people were killed today in a Russian attack on a specialised shopping centre selling construction products in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city located in a region that has been the target of Russian attacks for more than two weeks.

“We know for certain that two people have been killed,” Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram.

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported four injured in the attack. He said two guided bombs hit the shopping centre, after which fire engulfed 15,000 square metres.

“A large number of people are missing and many are injured. The attack reportedly occurred in a shopping centre full of people… This is pure terrorism,” Mayor Terekhov said.

Before the war, Kharkiv had a population of one and a half million. It is a city near the Russian border in northeastern Ukraine and is regularly targeted by Russian military forces, which launched a ground offensive on the entire Kharkiv region on May 10. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that at the time of the attack, there could have been “more than 200 people” in the shopping centre.

“We currently know that there could have been more than 200 people in the shopping centre. All services are already on the ground helping to extinguish the fire and rescue people,” Zelensky said on Telegram.

‼️More than 200 people could have been inside the hypermarket in >#Kharkiv at the time of the Russian strike on May 25, according to city authorities.

📷: Oleh Syniehubov pic.twitter.com/KpQNaleT2n

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) May 25, 2024