The strike ignited a significant fire, which has since been extinguished. Heavy black smoke was seen billowing from the devastated building, as captured in images and videos released by officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack on X, describing it as an assault by “Russian terrorists” targeting a civilian supermarket and post office. He noted that emergency services are still searching for survivors under the debris.
Initially, Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that artillery was used in the attack but later clarified that an X-38 air-to-surface missile was employed.
The strike also damaged Nova Poshta’s cargo office, located within the supermarket. The largest private postal company in Ukraine confirmed that all employees are safe, though one sustained a concussion and is receiving medical attention.
In addition to the supermarket, residential homes, shops, and over a dozen vehicles were damaged, according to the interior minister’s update on Telegram.
Kostiantynivka is situated approximately 13 kilometers from the active combat line in eastern Ukraine. The region frequently experiences shelling and air strikes as Russia intensifies its offensive towards the strategic logistics hub of Pokrovsk.
Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a cross-border attack in Russia’s Kursk region this week, but Kyiv has yet to comment on these allegations.
