Russian Terrorist Attack Claims Dozens of Lives in Kharkiv Region

UNIAN:  A shocking act of violence occurred in the Kupyansky district of the Kharkiv region today when Russian terrorist troops launched an attack on a grocery store, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration (RSA), Oleg Sinegubov, confirmed the tragic incident, reporting at least 49 fatalities.

President Zelensky, visibly shaken by the news, denounced the strike as a blatantly brutal Russian crime and a deliberate act of terrorism. "As of this time, it is known about more than 47 dead. My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones! Assistance is being provided to the wounded...," he expressed.

Zelensky reiterated his call to halt Russian terror and labeled anyone aiding Russia in evading sanctions as criminals. "Everyone who supports Russia so far supports evil. Russia needs this and similar terrorist attacks only for one thing: to make its genocidal aggression a new norm for the whole world," he added.

The Ukrainian President made it clear that Ukraine would respond to the terrorists with unwavering strength and justice.

Subsequently, Oleg Sinegubov, the chairman of the Kharkiv regional military administration, provided additional details, stating that the attack occurred at approximately 13:15 when Russian forces fired upon a cafe and a shop in the village of Groza, where numerous civilians were present.

According to the RSA, the bodies of 48 deceased individuals, including a 6-year-old child, have been recovered from the rubble. "Six people, including one child, were injured. Doctors are providing them with the necessary assistance, and rescue efforts at the scene are ongoing," Sinegubov added.

An update at 16:05 reported that the death toll had risen to 49, with a child among the victims.

The Office of the Prosecutor General launched a pre-trial investigation under the charge of violations of the laws and customs of war related to premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Today's horrific incident followed earlier missile attacks by Russian forces, which targeted a hospital in Berislav, Kherson region. The attack resulted in the complete destruction of the hospital's fourth floor and partial damage to another floor. Additionally, "emergency aid" vehicles were damaged, and an ambulance driver and paramedic were injured in the assault. Furthermore, Kherson was shelled in the morning, leading to the preliminary loss of two lives.