Zelensky Condemns Russia’s Despicable Mall Strike in Ukraine

Rescuers in Ukraine are continuing their search for survivors in the wreckage of a big shopping centre hit by a Russian drone strike on Friday. The attack in Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people and injured 130 others.

Devastating Double-Tap Strike

Sixteen people were killed and 130 injured when two drones hit the busy centre in Kryvyi Rih in quick succession in what is known as a double-tap strike. The second drone targeted emergency workers, prompting widespread condemnation. Four people are still missing.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “cynical and despicable” attack. The search and rescue operation could last for another two days due to the sheer scale of devastation and constant threats of more Russian attacks.

Emergency Response Underway

Rescue teams from seven other Ukrainian regions were urgently deployed on Friday evening to help search for survivors. The Dnipropetrovsk regional head, Oleksandr Hanzha, said the work could continue for another two days. He added that the team is doing everything possible to speed up the search and rescue operation.

The sides exchanged more fire overnight, with Ukrainian attacks said to have killed at least four people in Russia, including two children, and two people reported dead by Kyiv as a result of Russian strikes. The death toll from Friday’s attack reached 16 after another body was retrieved from the rubble overnight.

Reaction to the Attack

President Zelensky's condemnation of the attack is a clear indication of the severity of the incident. The Ukrainian government will likely continue to work closely with international partners to address the ongoing crisis.

The search and rescue operation is expected to continue for another two days, with a focus on locating any remaining survivors. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.

Source: JOY