Russian Drones Hit Ukraine Mall, Killing 16 and Wounding 130 Including Children

A devastating Russian drone attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has resulted in at least 16 fatalities and left over 130 people wounded, including numerous children. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that 22 children were among the injured in the daytime assault on the city, which is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown.

“

an act of barbarism

President Zelenskyy vehemently denounced the attack, labeling it "an act of barbarism" and "absolutely cynical and despicable." He stated that a second Russian drone intentionally struck the site half an hour after the initial strike, suggesting a deliberate targeting of emergency responders. "Attacks like these are nothing less than terrorist acts," Zelenskyy declared on Telegram, urging international accountability for Russia and vowing retaliation.

“

absolutely cynical and despicable

Rescuers continue to search through rubble for nine individuals, including two children, who remain missing. The attack occurred as Russia escalates its air campaign against Ukraine. In a separate incident on Friday, a Russian drone strike in the southern Mykolaiv region killed three children and a woman. These attacks follow a deadly Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv on Thursday, which killed 17 people. Ukraine has also intensified its own strikes on Russian territory, targeting oil facilities and infrastructure.

“

There are 29 people in serious condition, including five children