- Russian drones hit a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, killing 16 people and wounding over 130 others, in an attack condemned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as 'cynical and despicable'.
- The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, condemned the attack as 'terror by design' and announced plans for significant sanctions against Russia.
- In response to the attack, Zelenskyy vowed retaliation, calling it 'an act of barbarism'.
- Ukraine launched strikes on the Novokuybyshevsk refinery and an Ozon warehouse in Russia, targeting facilities linked to the Russian war effort.
- The attack on the shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih is part of a broader pattern of intensified Russian bombardments on Ukrainian cities.
- Zelenskyy has called for strong international support in response to the ongoing violence, emphasizing the need for accountability for Russia.
Ukraine's recent drone strikes targeted a Russian oil refinery and an Ozon warehouse, following a deadly attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that left 16 dead and over 130 injured. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the shopping center strike as 'cynical and despicable,' emphasizing the need for accountability.4
The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, labeled the attack 'terror by design' and announced plans for significant sanctions against Russia. 'Russia’s attack against a shopping centre shows the absolute and utter depravity of Moscow’s war,' she stated.2
The drone strikes on the Novokuybyshevsk refinery, located 1,000 kilometers from the front line, were aimed at crippling Russia's war efforts financially. Zelensky noted that these actions would deprive the Russian military of millions in export revenues. 'We will definitely respond,' he asserted, highlighting the ongoing conflict's escalation.
The attack on the shopping center was particularly brutal, with reports indicating that the second wave of strikes targeted emergency responders. 'Attacks like these are nothing less than terrorist acts,' Zelensky remarked, urging global leaders to hold Russia accountable. As rescue operations continue, the situation remains dire, with many still missing under the rubble.
The strikes on Ozon mark a significant escalation in Ukraine's military response, as the country seeks to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains amidst ongoing hostilities.
“Kaja Kallas said the attack on Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's home town, was 'terror by design' and announced 'the most far-reaching sanctions listings since the start of the war' for when EU ministers meet next month. Zelenskyy urged allies for more air defence, saying 'every day that Ukraine lacks sufficient air defence means casualties that could have been prevented.'”
The Guardian
The Independent
