KRYVYI: At least 15 people were killed and more than 130 others injured after Russian drones struck a shopping center in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, authorities said, as rescue teams scrambled to pull survivors from the rubble.
Ukrainian officials reported that multiple drones targeted the commercial complex, causing extensive structural damage and triggering fires in the surrounding area. Emergency crews reached the scene shortly after the attack, transferring the wounded to nearby hospitals while conducting search operations for those buried under debris.
President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the assault, alleging that Russian forces deliberately struck again during ongoing rescue efforts. “They targeted our rescue workers as well,” Zelensky said, accusing Moscow of carrying out additional drone strikes in the area while first responders were still on site.
Ukrainian authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further once all debris is cleared and the rescue operation concludes. Kryvyi Rih, which is Zelensky’s hometown, has been repeatedly hit during Russia’s campaign, though Friday’s attack ranks among the deadliest in recent weeks.
Russia has not yet commented on the incident. Search and recovery operations continue into the night.
