World

Russian double-tap drone strikes kill 14 in Ukrainian mall, officials say

BBC World · 2026-08-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A Russian double-tap drone strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, resulted in at least 14 fatalities and 121 injuries, including 22 children. The attack was described as "absolutely cynical and despicable" by President Volodymyr Zelensky. • Why it matters: This incident highlights the ongoing violence and civilian casualties in the conflict, as well as the tactics employed by Russian forces, which include targeting emergency responders during rescue operations. • What to watch next: The situation may escalate as rescue efforts continue and the death toll could rise. Additionally, Ukraine's military response to recent attacks on its territory, including strikes on Russian targets, will be closely monitored.

Image source, Oleksandr Hanzha / Dnipropetrovsk regional administrationImage caption, A number of people are reported to be trapped in the rubble of the shopping centre in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi RihByJaroslav LukivPublished6 minutes agoAt least 14 people have been killed in a Russian double-tap drone strike on a shopping centre in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, local officials have said.Another 121 people - including 22 children - were injured in the city's biggest mall. More people are also reported to be trapped in the rubble.President Volodymyr Zelensky said the "absolutely cynical and despicable" daytime attack in his home town was carried out in "two waves", with the second strike targeting emergency workers at the scene.Dramatic footage verified by the BBC shows the second drone hitting the already burning shopping centre in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Russia's military has not commented.Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said on Friday evening that there were now 14 confirmed fatalities, amid fears that the death toll would rise further.He said that 121 people were injured, including 29 who were in a serious condition.Earlier in the day, Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said the Russian drones were flying at "extremely low altitudes", describing the attackers as "animals"."There are missing people who are not responding to calls," the mayor added.This comes a day after 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv.Blocks of flats and warehouses were struck overnight across the city, local officials said. A children's hospital and school were also damaged.Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's military said it carried out strikes on an oil refinery and a military airfield deep inside Russia.Ukraine has in recent months intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities, as well as on warehouses of the country's largest online retailer Wildberries. Kyiv describes them as legitimate targets because they help finance Russia's war.Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and currently Moscow controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory in the south-east.Related topicsEuropeVolodymyr ZelenskyWar in UkraineUkraineMore on this storyUK 'supports Ukraine 100%', Burnham says, after Russia's drone warningPublished3 days agoSacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential electionPublished1 day ago

Source: BBC World
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