Zelensky reacts to Russian strike on shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih

The number of casualties from the Russian attack on a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih on August 21 continues to rise. According to the latest data, five people were killed and 52 were injured, including six children. Russian forces carried out two drone strikes on the facility with an interval of about half an hour.

The updated figures were reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also published photos of the aftermath.

The first Russian drone hit the largest shopping complex in Kryvyi Rih on Friday afternoon. After the strike, a large fire broke out in the building, and rescuers, medics and other emergency services arrived at the scene.

About half an hour later, Russia struck the same area again. At that moment, rescue services were already working at the site of the first hit.

"The Russians struck twice. The second time – half an hour after the first hit and fire, when rescuers were already on the scene," – Zelensky reported.

The footage published by the president shows severely damaged premises of the shopping complex, destroyed structures and the aftermath of the fire.

The number of dead and injured increased as the rescue operation progressed. Initial reports from local authorities mentioned one dead and 12 wounded. Later, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration first reported two dead and 15 injured, and then the death toll rose to five.

According to the head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, 52 people required medical assistance. Among the injured are six children.

Zelensky called the incident deliberate Russian terror against civilians and stressed that the second strike was carried out after emergency services had already arrived.

Rescuers, law enforcement officers and medics continue to work at the site. Information about the aftermath is being clarified.