- Russian drones struck a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 16 people and wounding over 130 others.
- A second drone hit the same shopping centre half an hour later, targeting emergency services, according to Zelenskyy.
- Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that 22 children were among the wounded, with 29
- Zelenskyy condemned the attack as 'absolutely cynical and despicable' and called it a terrorist act, vowing a response.
- The death toll has risen to 16, with nine people reported missing as rescuers continue clearing rubble.
- Ukraine has accused Russia of a "double tap" drone strike, highlighting the escalation of air attacks amid ongoing conflict.
- On the same day, 17 people were killed in a separate Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv.
At least 16 people were killed and more than 130 wounded in a Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown. The attack, described as a "double tap" strike, involved a second drone hitting the site shortly after the first, targeting emergency responders.12
Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that 22 children were among the injured, with 29 individuals in serious condition, including five children. Hanzha also mentioned that nine people were preliminarily considered missing, including two children, as rescuers worked to clear the rubble.46
Zelenskyy condemned the assault as "absolutely cynical and despicable," asserting that such attacks are "nothing less than terrorist acts." He vowed that Ukraine would respond decisively to this act of barbarism, urging the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions.57
This incident marks a significant escalation in Russia's air campaign against Ukraine, coinciding with ongoing ground battles as the conflict approaches its 4.5-year mark. Just a day prior, a Russian missile attack in Kyiv resulted in 17 fatalities, highlighting the intensifying violence in the region.8
As Ukraine ramps up its own military operations against Russian targets, including oil facilities, the cycle of retaliation and violence continues to escalate, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
“Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said 22 children are among the wounded, with 29 in serious condition including five children. Rescuers are clearing rubble as nine people remain missing, including two children.”
The Moscow Times
