Findings from international courts or human rights organizations

Russian Strike on Kharkiv's Epicenter Hypermarket Leaves 14 Dead, 43 Injured

May 25, 2024, 05:15 PM

Russian forces launched a devastating attack on the Epicenter construction hypermarket in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, May 25. The strike, which occurred during a busy Saturday afternoon, resulted in a massive fire that spread over 15,000 square meters. Initial reports confirmed at least two fatalities and numerous injuries, with the death toll later rising to 14. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that over 200 people could have been inside the store at the time of the attack. The attack involved two Russian glide bombs, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Local authorities reported that 43 people were injured, with many others still missing. Emergency services were on the scene, battling the blaze and searching for survivors. The incident has been condemned as a blatant war crime and has prompted renewed calls for increased air defense systems for Ukraine.