At least 16 people were killed and more than 130 others injured after Russian drones struck a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, on Friday, August 21, Ukrainian authorities said. The attack hit the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and triggered a major emergency response as rescuers searched the damaged site for survivors.
The daytime attack caused extensive destruction at the shopping center and nearby areas. Officials warned that the casualty figures could change as search-and-rescue operations continued.
Russian Drone Attack Hits Busy Shopping Center
The strike occurred in Kryvyi Rih, a major city in central Ukraine, during the afternoon. Ukrainian officials said the attack involved multiple drones and caused significant damage to the shopping center.
Among those wounded were children, with Ukrainian authorities reporting more than 20 children injured. Several victims were in serious condition, while emergency crews continued working through the damaged site.
Authorities also reported that a number of people remained unaccounted for after the attack, increasing concerns that the death toll could rise.
Second Strike Raises Concerns Over Emergency Responders
Ukrainian officials described the attack as particularly serious because a second drone reportedly struck the area after the initial impact. Such attacks can put firefighters, medical workers and other emergency personnel at additional risk while they are responding to casualties.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and said Ukraine would respond. He also called for stronger international pressure against Russia following the deadly strike on his hometown.
The attack came amid a broader increase in Russian aerial attacks across Ukraine, with missiles and drones being used against cities and infrastructure.
Rescue Efforts Continue as Ukraine Faces Intensified Attacks
Emergency services remained at the scene as rescuers searched the shopping center and surrounding areas. Authorities continued assessing the damage and determining the full number of casualties.
The strike followed a major Russian bombardment of Kyiv a day earlier that killed at least 16 people. Ukraine has also increased its own long-range drone operations against targets inside Russia as the conflict continues.
The latest attack highlights the continuing danger faced by civilians in Ukrainian cities more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
