A Russian drone strike on a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killed several people and injured more than 100, according to Al Jazeera. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack on his hometown as 'cynical and despicable.'
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Key facts
- A Russian drone strike hit a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.
- The attack killed several people and injured more than 100, according to Al Jazeera reports; specific figures varied between updates.
- Kryvyi Rih is the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Zelenskyy described the attack as 'cynical and despicable,' according to Al Jazeera.
A Russian drone strike hit a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing several people and injuring more than 100, according to reports from Al Jazeera published on 21 August 2026.
Casualty figures reported by Al Jazeera varied across its coverage. Some reports stated that six people were killed and 103 injured, while others reported 14 or 15 people killed. Reported injury figures ranged from more than 100 to over 130.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, which hit his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. According to Al Jazeera, he described the attack as ‘cynical and despicable.’
The shopping centre was described as busy at the time of the strike, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting.
Kryvyi Rih is a city in central Ukraine. Al Jazeera’s coverage focused on the human toll of the strike and the president’s response.
As reporting continued, casualty counts were still being confirmed and figures differed between updates. The precise death toll and number of injured remained unsettled in the sources available at the time of publication.
Why it matters
Strikes on civilian sites such as shopping centres raise concerns about the protection of non-combatants during the war in Ukraine. The attack on President Zelenskyy's hometown adds symbolic weight and highlights the continued risk to Ukrainian civilians away from the front lines.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the drone strike take place?
The strike hit a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, which is the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Al Jazeera.
How many people were killed and injured?
Reported figures varied in Al Jazeera's coverage. Some reports stated six killed and 103 injured, while others reported 14 or 15 killed and injury figures ranging from more than 100 to over 130.
How did Ukraine's president respond?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack on his hometown as 'cynical and despicable,' according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Drone strike on Ukraine shopping centre kills six, injures 103
Al Jazeera: A Russian drone strike hit a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing six people and injuring 103
- Drone strike on Ukraine shopping centre kills 14, over 100 injured
Al Jazeera: A Russian drone strike hit a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing 14 people and injuring over 100
- Russian drone attack on busy shopping centre kills 14 in Ukraine
Al Jazeera: Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy slams 'cynical and despicable' attack on his hometown Kryvyi Rih that injured over 120.
- Russian drone attack on busy shopping centre kills 15 in Ukraine
Al Jazeera: Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy slams 'cynical and despicable' attack on his hometown Kryvyi Rih that injured over 130.