Zelenskyy vows response after drone strike kills 14 at Kryvyi Rih mall

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a Russian drone attack on a shopping center in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, calling it a deliberate and cowardly act and vowing retaliation.

In his evening address on Friday, Zelenskyy said the attack involved multiple drones striking the shopping center in the central Ukrainian city. He confirmed that at least 14 people were killed, with authorities later raising the death toll to 15. More than 100 people were injured, including 11 children.

A rescue operation is currently underway at the site, with all necessary resources mobilized. Zelenskyy said authorities are working to account for everyone who may have been inside the shopping center at the time of the strike.

"This is an absolute atrocity committed by the Russians," Zelenskyy said. "They're nothing but beasts. We will definitely respond."

Kryvyi Rih, which is Zelenskyy's hometown, has been repeatedly targeted during the conflict. One of the deadliest attacks on the city occurred in April 2025, when 20 people, including nine children, were killed.

Zelenskyy also appealed to the international community, stressing the need for support to end the war. "It's crucial that we have everything we need to protect lives," he said. "It is important that the world does not remain silent about all of this."

He thanked those assisting victims in Kryvyi Rih and other affected communities, and offered condolences to the families of those killed.