Ukraine Strikes Kill at Least 15 in Kryvyi Rih Shopping Centre Attack
Russian strikes including a drone attack on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed at least 15 people and injured more than 130 others, with additional deaths reported in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia and Mykolaiv. Ukraine strikes on Russian territory have intensified in parallel as the conflict continues.
Deadly Drone Strikes Hit Kryvyi Rih Shopping Centre
A Russian drone struck a crowded shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskiy's hometown, followed about 30 minutes later by a second drone that targeted emergency responders. [2] At least 15-16 people were killed including children, more than 130 injured including 22-23 children, nine people remained missing including two children, and rescue operations continued overnight. [1] [2] The regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that at least 29 victims, including five children, remained in serious condition. [2] Images shared by the governor showed thick black smoke rising from the large building. [2] Zelenskiy described the attack as an "act of barbarism" and called the strikes "absolutely cynical and despicable," urging the international community to hold Moscow accountable. [2]
Additional Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
In Kyiv, a ballistic missile triggered a fire in a warehouse in the Darnytskyi district, killing one person and injuring several others. [1] A Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia killed one man and injured four others. [1] A separate Russian drone strike in the Mykolaiv region killed at least four people including three children and wounded one woman. [2] These incidents occurred after a series of Russian bombardments on Friday that claimed at least 20 lives across Ukraine. [1]
International Condemnation and Calls for Accountability
The EU's High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned the Kryvyi Rih strike as "terror by design" and announced upcoming discussions on expanded support for Ukraine including air and missile defence. [3] Kallas stated that the attack demonstrated the "absolute and utter depravity of Moscow's war" and that "Russia wants to make Ukrainian cities unliveable." [3] She noted her proposal for the most far-reaching Russia sanctions listings since the beginning of the full-scale war and stressed that pressure must continue to increase until Moscow ends the war. [3] EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will discuss how to expand support for Ukraine when they meet in less than two weeks in Dublin. [3]
Context of Intensified Aerial Campaign
The attacks follow a pattern of intensified Russian aerial strikes, contributing to the highest civilian casualty levels this year according to the UN. [1] Ukraine has increased its own strikes on Russian territory, focusing on oil facilities, logistics networks and other infrastructure considered important to Moscow's military operations. [2] The escalating exchange of long-range strikes underscores the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war, with civilian casualties mounting as both sides seek to weaken each other's ability to sustain the conflict. [2] Diplomats have not reached agreement, with Russia demanding major territorial and political concessions from Kyiv. [1] Zelenskiy has rejected these conditions, arguing that they would amount to capitulation leaving the country vulnerable to further Russian attack. [1]
Impact on Estonian-Owned Shopping Centre
The targeted Kryvyi Rih mall is owned by Estonian investors through Arricano Real Estate. [4] The shopping centre, known in English as Sun Gallery, is owned by Cyprus-registered company Arricano Real Estate. [4] Company owner Rauno Teder stated that it is still too early to assess the financial damage caused by the attack. [4] Nearly $60 million has been invested in the shopping centre. [4] Arricano Real Estate owns several shopping centres in Ukraine, including in Kyiv. [4]
Border Crossing Resumes After Separate Attack
The Tabaky border crossing with Moldova has reopened one day after being damaged in Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast. [5] Passenger and vehicle crossing operations at the Tabaky international border crossing on the border with Moldova have resumed. [5] The Moldovan side has been informed. [5] On the night of 20-21 August, Russia attacked the Bolhrad and Izmail districts in Odesa Oblast with Shahed drones, damaging buildings and other structures at the checkpoint. [5]
What to watch next: EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will meet in less than two weeks in Dublin to discuss expanded support for Ukraine including air and missile defence.
