Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised a strong response after a Russian drone attack on a shopping centre in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih.
At least 16 people were killed and more than 130 others injured in the Friday evening attack.
Officials said 22 children were among those injured. Nine people, including two children, were still missing.
The attack reportedly happened in two stages. A second drone struck around 30 minutes after the first, as emergency workers and other people gathered at the scene.
Ukrainian officials described it as a “double-tap” attack intended to harm rescuers responding to the first explosion.
The strikes caused a fire covering about 9,000 square metres and destroyed large parts of the shopping centre.
Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately attacking civilians and promised action through Ukraine’s security services, international partners and sanctions.
“Our response will be tangible – through our special services, through our intelligence agencies, through political cooperation with our partners, and, in particular, through sanctions.”
Fifty-two injured people remained in hospital on Saturday, including 14 children. Officials said 29 were in serious condition.
Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble despite fears of another Russian attack.
Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul described the attackers as “animals” and said some missing people were not responding to telephone calls.
Fresh Russian attacks across other parts of Ukraine reportedly killed at least six more civilians the following day.
Russia did not immediately comment specifically on the shopping centre strike.
In Kryvyi Rih, emergency and rescue operations are ongoing at the site of yesterday’s Russian strike on a shopping mall. The fire, which spread across 9,000 square meters, has been extinguished. SESU specialists are clearing the rubble and continuing to search for people.… pic.twitter.com/JjxqkJLHmH
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 22, 2026
