At least two people have been killed after Russian forces hit a supermarket in the northern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with two glide bombs, local officials say.

A large fire can be seen raging at the Epicentr K home improvement store on the northern outskirts of the city.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said over 200 people could have been inside the supermarket when it was attacked.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram: "A large number of people are missing. Many are wounded.

"This is pure terrorism," Mr Terekhov said.

President Zelensky added: "This strike on Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness.

"Only madmen like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin are capable of killing and terrorising people in this way."

The attack will underline the anxiety that Ukrainians feel about not having suitable air defences.

Mr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine needed to be able to defend itself and needed air defence systems from Western allies.

The attack is another sign of Russia's growing confidence.

Its forces appear to be taking advantage of a window of opportunity to push their advantage while Ukraine waits for further Western weapons to arrive at the front.

Glide bombs are built by adding fold-out wings and satellite navigation to old Soviet bombs. They are cheap but destructive.

Source:
courtesy of BBC NEWS

by Ido Vock, | Jeremy Bowen

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