Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks in response to a deadly Russian strike on a shopping centre that killed 16 people. The attack, described as a "double-tap" by Ukrainian officials, targeted a mall in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strike, carried out by Russian drones, was condemned as a deliberate act of terror.
In retaliation, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian online marketplace in Chapayevsk, Russia, hitting a major hub linked to the company Ozon. The attack killed two children and injured their parents, according to officials. The incident follows a day of cross-border strikes, with Russian drones and missiles killing at least three people in Ukraine, while a Ukrainian drone attack in southern Russia caused additional casualties.
The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides using drones and missiles in targeted strikes. Ukrainian officials have called for international support, while Russian actions have drawn further condemnation. The search for survivors in the Kryvyi Rih mall remains ongoing, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Rescuers are still working to locate missing individuals following the Russian strike, which has intensified fears of civilian casualties. The cycle of retaliation shows no sign of slowing, as both nations continue to deploy military assets in a volatile conflict.
