Shopping center in Zelenskyy's hometown hit twice in Russian drone attacks; 5 dead, 52 injured

A shopping center in Krivoi Rog, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was struck twice in Russian drone attacks on Friday, resulting in significant casualties. The first strike occurred during daylight hours when the building was crowded, causing numerous injuries. A second attack followed about half an hour later as emergency crews were working to extinguish fires and evacuate the wounded. Ukrainian authorities reported that at least five people were killed and 52 others were injured, including six children. President Zelenskyy denounced the strikes as "absolutely cynical and vile" acts of terrorism, deliberately targeting a civilian site. He called on the international community to respond accordingly by exerting real pressure on Russia to hold it accountable. "Attacks like these are nothing but terrorist acts," Zelenskyy stated on X, formerly Twitter. "And the world must react accordingly – by exerting real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must concretely assume responsibility."

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The Russians launched an absolutely cynical and vile attack against an ordinary shopping center in Krivoi Rog. The attack drones hit in two waves – half an hour after the first strike and the outbreak of fire, a second attack occurred targeting the emergency response teams. As of this moment, five deaths have been reported. I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed. At least 52 people were injured, including six children. All the injured are receiving the necessary medical care.

Ukrainian officials confirmed that all injured individuals received necessary medical attention. Russia, however, maintains that its military operations in Ukraine are exclusively aimed at military targets. The dual strikes on the civilian infrastructure highlight the ongoing brutality of the conflict and its devastating impact on ordinary citizens in Ukraine.

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Attacks like these are nothing but terrorist acts. And the world must react accordingly – by exerting real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must concretely assume responsibility.