Russian drones hit a Kryvyi Rih shopping center, killing at least 15 and injuring over 130 in a 'double-tap' attack. President Zelenskyy condemned the strike as 'terrorism,' while Ukraine vows response amid escalating air war across cities.
Deadly Strike on Kryvyi Rih
At least 15 people were killed and more than 130 wounded on Friday after Russian drones struck a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, local authorities reported. The attack, described as a 'double-tap' strike, involved two waves of drones—first hitting the Solnechnaya Galereya shopping center, followed by a second wave 30 minutes later as emergency responders arrived. The Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration confirmed 23 children among the injured, with 29 people in serious condition, including five children.
Zelenskyy Condemns Attack as 'Terrorist Act'
President Zelenskyy called the strike 'absolutely cynical and despicable', stating on social media that the second wave of drones 'targeted emergency responders'. He labeled the attack 'nothing less than a terrorist act' and vowed Ukraine would 'definitely respond'. Regional officials described the drones as flying at 'extremely low altitudes', with Oleksandr Vilkul, Kryvyi Rih’s mayor, condemning the attackers as 'animals'. Rescue operations continued into the evening, with fears the death toll could rise as more victims remained trapped in the rubble.
Escalation in Ukraine’s Air War
The strike on Kryvyi Rih followed a major overnight barrage on Kyiv, where Russian missiles and drones killed 17 people and injured dozens more. Targets included residential buildings, a school, a children’s hospital, and a kindergarten, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 107 of 135 drones launched overnight. Separate drone strikes in Mykolaiv killed four people, including three children, while another attack in Kharkiv killed two women and injured two others.
Kryvyi Rih's Repeated Targeting
Kryvyi Rih, an industrial city 60 kilometers from the front line, has faced repeated Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. One of the deadliest prior strikes occurred in April 2025, when 20 people, including nine children, were killed. The city’s strategic and symbolic importance—being Zelenskyy’s hometown—has made it a frequent target. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha noted the attack occurred during daytime hours, amplifying civilian casualties.
International Response and Ongoing Conflict
The United Nations reported that civilian deaths in 2026 had reached their highest level since the war’s early months, underscoring the intensifying humanitarian crisis. Ukraine has increased its own strikes on Russian oil facilities and logistics infrastructure, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s war efforts. Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its aerial campaign, combining ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones in sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
- Kryvyi Rih shopping center strike: 15 killed, 130+ injured (23 children among wounded).
- Kyiv overnight attack: 17 killed, 40+ injured (children’s hospital and school damaged).
- Mykolaiv strike: 4 killed (3 children), 1 woman injured.
- Kharkiv strike: 2 women killed, 2 injured.
Rescue teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked through the night to clear debris and treat victims. Ukrainian authorities have called for international accountability, while Zelenskyy’s government has pledged a military response to the attacks.