Kharkiv, Ukraine (May 25, 2024) – A devastating Russian airstrike hit a hardware store in Kharkiv on Saturday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 43 others. The attack involved the use of two glide bombs, a tactic designed to target first responders arriving after the initial strike.

The incident is part of a broader and intensifying Russian offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern region. The strike on the hardware store is one of the deadliest attacks in Kharkiv in recent weeks, reflecting the escalating violence in the area. The use of glide bombs in a “double-tap” strike is a particularly deadly tactic, aimed at maximizing casualties and disrupting rescue operations.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the death toll and the number of injured, highlighting the severity of the attack. “This was a calculated and brutal attack on civilians, part of an ongoing campaign of terror against our people,” Syniehubov stated.

This strike comes amid an intensified Russian military campaign in the Kharkiv region, which has seen continuous shelling and missile attacks. The region has been a focal point of the conflict, with Russian forces aiming to create a buffer zone to protect their border areas and prevent Ukrainian shelling.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling for increased international support to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses. “The world can stop Russian terror,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post. “We need additional air defense systems to protect our cities and save lives.”

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The recent attacks on Kharkiv and surrounding areas have displaced thousands and left many without basic necessities. Ukrainian forces continue to resist the Russian advance, but the situation remains dire, with the front lines stretching Ukrainian defenses thin.

International reactions have been swift, with calls for additional sanctions against Russia and increased military aid to Ukraine. The European Union and the United States have both condemned the attack, reiterating their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Relief organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected, but the ongoing hostilities pose significant challenges to their efforts.

The attack on the Kharkiv hardware store is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the war on ordinary Ukrainians. As the international community watches, the need for a resolution to the conflict becomes ever more urgent.