On May 25, 2024, a Russian missile strike hit a busy shopping center in Kharkiv, Ukraine, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more. The attack targeted a DIY hardware store in a residential area, causing significant destruction and triggering a massive blaze that firefighters struggled to contain. Among the injured were a police officer and an ambulance paramedic who were on-site to help after the initial strike.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people tried to escape the debris. Dmytro Syrotenko, a 26-year-old employee, recounted being covered in debris and crawling to safety with the help of a rescue worker. The strike has left many residents devastated, including Valentyna, a 69-year-old woman who lost her husband and home in the attack.

The attack is part of a broader Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, which began on May 10, 2024, marking Russia's largest territorial gains in the area in 18 months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that this may only be the first wave of a more extensive assault and has appealed to Western allies for more air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities.

In response to the increased threat, Ukraine has called for additional military support, including advanced fighter jets and air defense systems. President Zelenskyy emphasized that achieving air parity with Russia is crucial for defending the country. Despite the severe challenges, Ukrainian forces have managed to halt the Russian advance, but the situation remains tense as evacuation efforts continue in the affected areas.