‘Double-tap’ attack: 14 killed as Russian drones ravage Zelenskyy’s hometown

On Friday, Russian drone strikes in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claimed at least 14 lives and left 121 others injured, including 22 children, according to local authorities. This attack, described by Zelenskyy as a "double-tap" assault, targeted a shopping center in the city center. Zelenskyy called the attack a "terrorist act," as rescue teams continued their search at the damaged site.

Kryvyi Rih has been subject to multiple Russian attacks since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In April 2025, the city suffered one of its deadliest strikes when 20 people, including nine children, lost their lives. Friday's assault followed a major overnight barrage against Kyiv and its surroundings, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens injured.

The barrage involved ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, prompting Ukrainian officials to report that 38,000 people, including over 2,000 children, sought shelter in Kyiv's underground stations. Damages were reported at residential buildings, a school, a children's hospital, and a kindergarten.

During the overnight attack, Ukraine's air force claimed to have downed or neutralized 107 out of 135 Russian drones launched. However, a separate Russian drone strike in the Kharkiv region claimed the lives of two women, aged 73 and 66, and injured two others. Concerns have been raised over Ukraine's limited air-defence capabilities, with Kyiv seeking additional US-made Patriot interceptors from Western allies.

Kyiv has also been mounting drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. President Zelenskyy highlighted such an attack on an oil refinery in Perm, over 1,600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, as well as the Marinovka military airfield in Russia's Volgograd region. Russian officials confirmed damage at an unspecified industrial facility in Perm, while the Astra news outlet reported that a Lukoil-operated refinery caught fire.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 325 Ukrainian drones over 15 Russian regions and Crimea. The escalating exchange of long-range attacks has also prompted neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, and Moldova to heighten their airspace security.