Russian artillery fire strikes megastore in Kharkiv, resulting in the death of 18 people - Ukraine's most fatal incident in recent weeks.
Over the weekend, authorities reported that a 12-year-old girl was one of those killed in the latest attack.
On Monday, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv region military administration, stated that five individuals are still unaccounted for. He also shared that approximately 48 people suffered injuries during the attack that targeted a megastore building, with nearly 200 people inside at the time.
Recent weeks have seen multiple Russian attacks occurring in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city close to the border with Russia.
Security camera footage recorded the moment of impact, during which the building appears to shudder before being consumed by thick smoke and flames.
Ihor Klymenko, the interior minister of Ukraine, described the aftermath as "hellish" and expressed gratitude to those who aided in extinguishing the fires. Pictures shared from inside the store depict the aftermath, revealing a devastated building with charred merchandise and collapsed walls.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the strike as a "brutal attack," asserting that "Russia is governed by men who want to turn this into the norm – burning lives, destroying cities and villages, dividing people, and erasing national borders through war."
While in Spain for an official visit, Zelensky requested his partners to supply Ukraine with more air defenses.
During their meeting in Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a new $1.08 billion weapons deal intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defense systems and safeguard its citizens and infrastructure from Russian assaults.
Sanchez confirmed that they will be providing Ukraine with 'Patriot missiles'. Regarding Zelensky's request for launch platforms, he responded that they would also be sending additional Leopard tanks and vital munitions for the Ukrainian forces.
Originally due to meet with Zelensky earlier this month, the Ukrainian president postponed the trip due to the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv and other regions of Ukraine. Local residents continue to experience daily attacks.
The US disclosed on Friday that it is providing $275 million in military assistance to Ukraine in an effort to help the country defend against Russia's push toward Kharkiv.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the latest batch of assistance includes "urgently required capabilities" for Ukrainian soldiers as they endeavor to repel Russia's advances toward the crucial northeastern city.
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The tragic events in Kharkiv have sparked concern across Europe, with leaders expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Despite Russia denying involvement, the world is watching closely as more attacks continue in the region.
Source: edition.cnn.com
