Russian Strike on Grocery Store Near Kupiansk Leaves at Least 51 Dead, Says Ukrainian Interior Minister

 

(Photo credit: https://www.lemonde.fr/)

According to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, at least 51 people have lost their lives in a Russian strike on a grocery store near Kupiansk. The death toll may increase as the area is still being cleared of rubble. The attack occurred in the village of Hroza in the Kupiansk district, about 40 kilometers away from the frontlines. This appears to be the deadliest attack against Ukraine's civilian population since the 2022 assault on Kramatorsk railway station.

The exact weapon used in the strike remains unclear, and different terms have been used by Ukrainian officials to describe the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently in Spain, condemned the attack as a deliberate act of terrorism by Russia. He called for an end to Russian terror and stated that anyone assisting Russia in evading sanctions is a criminal. Zelensky also emphasized that supporting Russia means supporting evil, as Russia seeks to normalize its genocidal aggression. 

According to preliminary findings, the grocery store was hit by an Iskander missile, as stated by Minister Klymenko.