Ukraine says 'cynical' Russian strike on shopping centre killed 14

Russian drone attacks struck a busy shopping center in Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, on Friday, resulting in 14 deaths and 121 injuries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose hometown is Kryvyi Rig, condemned the attack as "cynical and despicable." He noted that a second drone strike, occurring about 30 minutes after the first, appeared to target emergency responders who were assisting victims.

“

targeting the emergency responders

In a separate incident, four more people, including three minors, were killed in the southern Mykolaiv region by another strike, according to Interior Minister Ivan Vygivsky. Videos circulating on social media depicted rescuers aiding the wounded outside the damaged shopping center, with smoke billowing from the building.

Kryvyi Rig, an industrial city situated approximately 60 kilometers from the front lines, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks throughout the conflict. The United Nations has reported that the civilian death toll in 2026 has reached its highest point since the initial months of the war.

“

an absolutely cynical and despicable strike... carried out by the Russians against an ordinary shopping center

In response to the escalating violence, Ukraine's allies are scheduled to convene on Monday, Ukraine's independence day, to reaffirm their support. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Around 10 leaders, including European Council chief Antonio Costa, are expected to attend in Kyiv. Zelenskyy urged a strong response from allies, stating, "The world must respond to them accordingly - with real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must face real accountability."

“

The world must respond to them accordingly - with real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must face real accountability.