A Russian air strike on a Kharkiv hypermarket on Saturday afternoon has killed at least two people and injured at least 24 more, according to Kharkiv region Governor Oleh Synyehubov, who said that there may have been as many as 200 people inside when the hypermarket was struck.

“If Ukraine had enough air defence systems and modern combat aircraft, such Russian strikes would have been impossible,” Synyehubov wrote on Telegram. “That’s why we are appealing to all leaders, to all states: we need a significant strengthening of our air defence and sufficient capabilities to destroy Russian terrorists,” he added.

The strike was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said that the entire 10,000-square-metre site of the hypermarket was now engulfed in flames, but that emergency services were tackling the fire.

“This attack on Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness,” Zelensky said, adding that “Only madmen like Putin are capable of killing and terrorising people in such a vile manner.”

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that there was still a large number of people missing, and called the strike “pure terrorism”. He also reported a second Russian airstrike on the city centre, but gave no further details.

The Russians used UMPB D-30 glide bombs to hit the DIY hypermarket, according to preliminary data provided by the Kharkiv Region's Prosecutor's Office, Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne reported.

Approximately 15 members of the hypermarket staff had yet to be accounted for, Terekhov said, citing the shopping centre manager.

This story is being updated