At least 15 individuals lost their lives and over 130 sustained injuries on Friday following multiple drone strikes by Russian forces on a shopping complex in the heart of Ukraine, as confirmed by authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to retaliate against what he described as an “act of barbarism.” The attack, which took place in Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, resulted in 22 children among the wounded, according to regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha. Hanzha reported that 29 individuals, including five children, are in critical condition.
Images shared by Hanzha depicted thick black smoke rising from a large industrial structure. Zelenskyy condemned the attack as “absolutely cynical and despicable,” highlighting that a second drone strike hit the shopping center 30 minutes after the initial one, indicating a deliberate targeting of emergency services.
Describing such assaults as acts of terrorism, Zelenskyy urged the global community to hold Russia accountable, asserting, “We will definitely respond.” In a separate incident on the same day, at least four people, including three children, lost their lives, and a woman was injured due to another Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s southern region of Mykolaiv, as reported by Ukrainian state media via Telegram.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify, with battles entering the 4-1/2-year mark. Recent escalations include a Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, claiming the lives of 17 people. Meanwhile, Ukraine has ramped up its own offensive actions against Russia, targeting oil installations and logistical infrastructure to undermine Moscow’s military capabilities. The two nations remain embroiled in a full-scale conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.