A Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, has killed at least 16 people and injured more than 120, Ukrainian officials said, in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the city in recent months.
The attack took place during the daytime on Friday (August 21) in the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among those injured were 22 children, according to the latest reporting. The death toll and number of casualties have risen throughout the day as emergency workers searched the damaged site.
What Happened in Kryvyi Rih?
Russian drones struck a busy shopping complex in the city. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a “double-tap” strike, alleging that a second wave of drones hit the area after the initial attack, when emergency responders were already dealing with the aftermath.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack and accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and rescue workers. Emergency teams rushed to the scene as fires were reported and parts of the shopping complex were damaged.
Why Kryvyi Rih Is Significant
Kryvyi Rih is particularly significant because it is the hometown of Zelenskyy. The city has repeatedly been targeted during Russia’s invasion, although Friday’s attack was notable because the strike hit a civilian commercial location during the day.
The attack came just one day after a major aerial assault on Kyiv, which also caused significant civilian casualties.
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Russia-Ukraine Air War Intensifies
The latest strike reflects the increasing importance of long-range drones in the conflict. Both sides have dramatically expanded their use of unmanned aerial systems.
Russia has used large waves of drones and missiles to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, military facilities and energy infrastructure.
The escalation has continued even as diplomatic efforts surrounding the war remain uncertain.
Ukraine’s Air Defence Challenge
The attacks are placing additional pressure on Ukraine’s air-defence network. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to Western allies for more interceptors and advanced systems, including US-made Patriot missile systems, which are particularly important against certain Russian missile threats.
The latest attacks demonstrate the difficulty of defending large cities against sustained waves of drones and missiles.
What Happens Next?
Ukrainian authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations and assessing the damage. The attack is likely to intensify international condemnation of Moscow and could increase pressure on Ukraine’s allies to provide additional air-defence equipment.
For civilians across Ukraine, however, the latest strike is another reminder that despite diplomatic discussions, the aerial war remains highly destructive.
