Rescuers dig through Ukraine mall wreckage as Zelensky condemns ‘despicable’ Russian strike

Rescue crews in Ukraine are still scouring the rubble of a large shopping center that was struck by Russian drones on Friday. The deadly double-tap attack resulted in 16 deaths and 130 injuries. At least four individuals remain missing, and the ongoing search and rescue efforts may persist for another two days. President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly denounced the "cynical and despicable" strike, particularly the second drone which targeted emergency responders.

The conflict escalated overnight, with Ukrainian forces reportedly killing at least four people in Russia, including two children, and two more fatalities were confirmed by Kyiv due to Russian strikes. Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha confirmed that the death toll had risen to 16 after an additional body was recovered from the debris overnight.

Hanzha assured that all possible measures are being taken to expedite the rescue operation, which could continue for up to two more days due to the extensive damage and the persistent threat of further Russian aggression. Rescue teams from seven other Ukrainian regions were urgently dispatched on Friday evening to assist in the search for survivors.