Kellogg visits Odesa Sea Port and inspects Russian strike damage

At least 19 people lost their lives in a series of Russian drone strikes on Ukraine. In the city of Kryvyi Rih, the capital of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a shopping center came under attack, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including 22 children, and 29 others suffered serious injuries. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha confirmed the grim toll via the Telegram messaging app, posting a photo of black smoke emanating from the damaged industrial building.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it a "cynical and despicable strike" and urging the international community to hold Russia accountable. Hanzha added that the situation was only worsening, with the number of casualties continuing to rise. Unverified footage on social media depicted rescuers tending to the wounded, including several images of a second drone crashing into the burning roof of the mall shortly after the initial strike.

Kryvyi Rih, located around 60 kilometers from the front line, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks throughout the ongoing conflict. The city's vulnerability has persisted, despite Ukraine's retaliatory strikes on Russian oil facilities and logistics infrastructure aimed at weakening Moscow's wartime capabilities. In response to the escalating violence, nations allied with Ukraine are set to convene on Monday to reaffirm their support for Kyiv, marking the occasion on Ukraine's independence day.

The Coalition of the Willing, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Andrew Burnham, will bring together around 10 leaders, including EU chief Antonio Costa, for discussions held in Kyiv. NATO also announced that its deputy secretary-general, Radmila Shekerinska, would participate remotely.

The meeting arrives as Russia has increasingly targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles. President Zelensky recently called for an international response to Moscow's escalating aggression in the four-year war. In July, a meeting of the 37 coalition members, including Zelensky, took place in Ukraine, where allies pledged additional air-defense support and post-ceasefire exercises to pressure Russia for an end to the war.

Meanwhile, in Australia, a 27-year-old Russian-Australian man was charged with foreign interference for allegedly attempting to provide information to Russian intelligence about Ukrainian military activities. The individual, who underwent military training in Russia in October 2024, returned to Australia where he maintained contact with individuals linked to Russian intelligence.

He subsequently enlisted in Ukraine's armed forces and allegedly provided information to individuals believed to be acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services, risking the safety and security of Ukrainian personnel. The crime of intentional foreign interference in Australia is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.