Russian 'Double-Tap' Strike on Shopping Mall in Ukraine Kills 15 and Wounds 130

By Reuters Aug. 21, 2026 State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS) in the Dnipropetrovsk region. At least 15 people were killed and more than 130 wounded on Friday when two Russian drones struck a shopping mall in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, authorities said. Twenty-two children were among the wounded in the daytime attack on President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said on the Telegram messaging app. "There are 29 people in serious condition, including five children," he said. ⚡ At least five people were killed and 52 wounded on Friday when Russian drones attacked a shopping mall in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, local authorities said.Read more: https://t.co/wznDwDTxJt pic.twitter.com/rr6Ylcbe37— The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) August 21, 2026 He posted a photo of black smoke billowing from a large industrial building. Zelensky called the attack "absolutely cynical and despicable," saying that a second Russian drone hit the shopping mall half an hour after the first in a deliberate attempt to target emergency services. "Attacks like these are nothing less than terrorist acts," Zelensky said on Telegram, urging the world to hold Russia to account. Russia is escalating its air war on Ukraine as fighting on the battlefield grinds toward the 4.5-year mark. On Thursday, 17 people were killed in a Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Ukraine has also stepped up its own attacks on Russia, targeting oil facilities and logistics infrastructure to try to undermine Moscow's ability to wage war. Read more about: Ukraine war Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Putin ‘Destroying Russia’ by Refusing Ukraine Deal, Trump Says “I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble,” Donald Trump told reporters upon returning to the Oval Office. 1 Min read Where Russia, Ukraine and Trump Stand as Possible Peace Talks Loom Trump wants to end Russia's three-year war on Ukraine. Yet Moscow appears to be in no rush to end hostilities. 6 Min read Ukrainian Army Says It Captured 27 Russian Soldiers in Kursk Region Ukraine’s military released a video purporting to show the captured troops, who can be heard identifying themselves by name and rank. 1 Min read Russia and Ukraine Exchange 50 POWs in First Swap of 2025 Moscow said its returned servicemen were receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus before heading back to Russia. 1 Min read