Russian Drone Strike Hits Busy Ukrainian Mall in Kryvyi Rih, Killing Dozens

At least 16 people were killed and over 130 injured, including many children, in a Russian drone attack on a crowded shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack occurred on Friday and involved a "double strike," with a second drone hitting the area about 30 minutes after the first while rescue teams were still operating, according to Ukrainian authorities. Governor Oleksandr Honzha of Dnipropetrovsk region reported that 29 of the wounded are in critical condition, including five children, and nine people remain missing, among them two children, as search and evacuation efforts continue.

President Zelensky condemned the attack as a "barbaric act" aimed at rescuers and victims alike and vowed Ukraine would respond. Video footage from the scene showed severe damage to the mall and ongoing rescue operations, with Reuters releasing images of a Russian drone striking the complex. The strike comes amid escalating air attacks between Russia and Ukraine, with four additional deaths, including three children, reported in a separate Russian attack near Mykolaiv on the same day.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes deep into Russian territory targeting oil facilities and logistical infrastructure. The attack on the mall has drawn international condemnation and highlighted the ongoing brutality of the conflict as civilian areas continue to be targeted.

Summary: A Russian drone strike on a busy shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih killed at least 16 people and injured over 130, including children, with a second strike targeting rescuers. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack and promised retaliation amid escalating conflict.

Points: - Russian drone strikes killed 16 and injured 130+ at a Kryvyi Rih mall, including many children. - A second drone hit 30 minutes later while rescue teams were active, targeting responders. - Nine people remain missing, with dozens critically injured, including five children. - The attack coincided with other Russian airstrikes killing four near Mykolaiv. - Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian oil and logistics sites amid the conflict. - President Zelensky called the attack "barbaric" and pledged a Ukrainian response.

Topic: security israel_relevant: false Entities: {"people":["Volodymyr Zelensky","Oleksandr Honzha"],"organizations":[],"places":["Kryvyi Rih","Ukraine","Dnipropetrovsk","Mykolaiv","Russia"]}