Kryviy rih: A Russian drone attack on a shopping mall in the south-central Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih killed at least 16 people and left more than 100 others injured, including several children, local authorities said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a native of Kryviy Rih, called the attack "cynical and despicable," saying it came in two waves, with secondary drone strikes targeting emergency response efforts.

According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the attack caused significant chaos and damage. "There was smoke. Everyone was shouting," Yuliana, a mall employee, recounted to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. She described the panic as parts of the ceiling collapsed in a parking garage where some people had sought shelter during an air-raid alert, with a car blocking the entrance and forcing people to climb over metal barriers. "I was afraid there might be another strike. I had no idea what to do. I have a young child," Yuliana added.

Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that shops inside the mall were set ablaze by the attack, sharing images of thick black smoke rising amid high-rise residential buildings. Hanzha detailed that 130 people were injured, including 23 children. Kryviy Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul mentioned on Telegram that a 14-year-old girl was being transferred to the regional children's hospital with a traumatic brain injury.

Zelenskyy condemned the attack on X, describing it as a terrorist act and urging the world to respond with real pressure on the aggressor. EU foreign and security policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, calling the attack "terror by design" and highlighting the severe impact on Ukrainian cities.

This recent attack is part of a series of Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities. A day prior, a barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside drones, struck Kyiv, resulting in at least 17 deaths in and around the capital. Despite limited gains on the front line, Moscow has intensified its strikes, often targeting civilian infrastructure and causing casualties.

Ukraine has been attempting to enhance its air-defense system with assistance from the United States and European allies but faces challenges due to a shortage of US-made Patriot missiles. Washington has sent mixed signals about granting Kyiv a license to produce these missiles.

In retaliation, Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil and military infrastructure since the beginning of summer, contributing to Russia's worst fuel crisis in years. The Ukrainian military recently targeted a Russian oil facility in Perm and a military air base in Volgograd.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict have stalled, with the United States focusing on other international issues. The continued air attacks and lack of progress at the negotiation table keep Kyiv and Moscow at odds, as the Kremlin maintains a hard-line stance on control over the Donetsk region.