Kharkiv, Ukraine — In a devastating strike, at least 12 people were killed and 43 others wounded when Russian forces targeted a supermarket in the northern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with two glide bombs, local officials reported on Saturday.
The attack, which hit the Epicenter K home improvement store on the northern outskirts of the city, resulted in a large fire that could be seen raging for hours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that over 200 people might have been inside the supermarket at the time of the bombing. Describing the attack as an act of “Russian madness,” Zelensky condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces for their actions.
“Only madmen like Putin are capable of killing and terrorizing people in this way,” Zelensky stated in a video address.
The initial strike was followed by a second attack in central Kharkiv later that day, injuring eight more people, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The back-to-back bombings have heightened anxiety among Ukrainians about their inadequate air defenses, a concern President Zelensky emphasized. He reiterated the urgent need for advanced air defense systems from Western allies to protect Ukrainian cities and civilians from such attacks.
The assaults on Kharkiv came on the heels of a significant meeting in Italy, where G7 finance ministers expressed support for a proposal to utilize profits from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s war effort. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen mentioned that there was broad-based support for the idea, which involves using these frozen assets held in Western banks as collateral for a $50 billion loan to Kyiv. This proposal will be discussed further in the coming month.
Russia has issued threats of retaliation in response to these discussions. The latest attack on Kharkiv signifies Moscow’s increasing confidence and strategic aggressiveness. Russian forces appear to be capitalizing on a window of opportunity to advance their positions while Ukraine awaits additional Western military aid.
The glide bombs used in the Kharkiv attack were modified Soviet-era bombs equipped with fold-out wings and satellite navigation, making them both cost-effective and highly destructive.
Russian forces have been increasingly utilizing These weapons. President Zelensky noted that in March alone, 3,000 such bombs were dropped on Ukraine.
The Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) recently reported that these glide bombs played a decisive role in Russia’s capture of Avdiivka, a key town in eastern Ukraine, in February.
The recurring use of these bombs underscores the growing challenge Ukraine faces in defending itself against sophisticated yet affordable Russian weaponry.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the need for comprehensive and effective air defense systems becomes ever more pressing.
The international community’s response, particularly in terms of military support, will be crucial in determining the course of the conflict and the protection of Ukrainian civilians.
The tragic events in Kharkiv are a stark reminder of the war’s toll on innocent lives and the urgent need for a resolution.
As Ukrainian officials work to rescue and treat the wounded, the nation and its allies face the pressing task of enhancing Ukraine’s defenses against such brutal attacks.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members
