Russian double-tap drone strike kills 15 in Ukrainian mall, officials say

A Russian double-tap drone strike on a shopping center in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least 15 people and injured 130, local officials reported. The city's largest mall was hit, with fears that more people are trapped in the rubble. The attack occurred in two waves, with the second strike specifically targeting emergency workers who had arrived at the scene.

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absolutely cynical and despicable daytime attack

President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose hometown is Kryvyi Rih, condemned the "absolutely cynical and despicable" daytime attack, labeling it a "terrorist act." He noted that the second drone hit the already burning shopping center, exacerbating the casualties. Dramatic footage verified by the BBC shows the second drone impacting the structure.

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Such attacks are nothing but terrorist acts. And the world must react accordingly – real pressure on the aggressor

Oleksandr Hanzha, Dnipropetrovsk regional head, confirmed 15 fatalities, including two who died in hospital, and 130 injured, 29 of whom are in serious condition. Rescuers from other regions are being deployed to assist in the search for survivors. Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul described the drones flying at "extremely low altitudes" and called the attackers "animals."

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extremely low altitudes

This strike follows a major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv the previous day, which resulted in 17 deaths and over 40 injuries. Ukraine has recently intensified its attacks on Russian energy facilities and warehouses, which Kyiv considers legitimate targets supporting Russia's war effort.

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animals