Russian strike kills 15 people at shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown

On Friday, Russian drones targeted a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's hometown, resulting in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities. This attack, along with others in the Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions, claimed a total of 21 lives across Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the assault as a "double-tap," with a first wave of drones followed by a second as rescue efforts commenced. The president condemned Russia as "monsters" and vowed a response.

Kryvyi Rih, located in central Ukraine, has endured multiple strikes during the conflict, with a particularly devastating attack in April 2025 claiming 20 lives, including nine children. Earlier attacks on Friday saw Russian drones kill two elderly women in Kharkiv and four, including three children, in Mykolaiv.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 107 of the 135 drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the country's air force. The ongoing attacks come just 24 hours after a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv, which killed 16 people. The United Nations reported that Kyiv was among the hardest-hit cities in July, with at least 54 civilians killed and 202 injured.

Recent Russian attacks have intensified, particularly against Kyiv, exploiting Ukraine's limited supply of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. Ukrainian drones recently targeted a Russian oil refinery in Belgorod, killing one and injuring four, as well as an airfield in Russia's Volgograd region. Russia claimed to have intercepted 325 Ukrainian drones overnight, with another 211 shot down later.

The escalation reflects the growing influence of drones on the conflict, with Ukraine successfully deploying domestically produced long-range drones capable of reaching deep into Russian territory. Ukrainian officials hope to provoke outrage in Russia and pressure President Vladimir Putin towards negotiations.