Kathmandu— At least fourteen people were killed and more than 120 wounded when Russian drones struck a bustling shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine on Friday evening. The attack, which targeted the city’s largest shopping complex, sparked a significant fire and left 29 of the injured in critical condition according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rih Defence Council. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the strike as a “cynical and despicable” act of terrorism, while rescuers worked to aid victims amidst billowing smoke. A separate attack in the Mykolaiv region killed four people, including three children.

Deadly Attack on Civilian Target

Russian drones hit Kryvyi Rih’s largest shopping complex Friday, resulting in a devastating loss of life and numerous injuries. As of 8pm local time (17:00 GMT), the confirmed death toll reached fourteen, with an additional 121 people injured, including twenty-two children. Oleksandr Vilkul reported that twenty-nine of those wounded were in critical condition. Videos circulating on social media depicted rescue workers providing assistance to the injured outside the shopping centre as smoke rose from the damaged building.

Zelenskyy Condemns ‘Terrorist Act’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack on his hometown, describing it as “cynical and despicable.” He alleged that a second drone struck the same location thirty minutes after the first, suggesting a deliberate attempt to target emergency responders. "Attacks like these are nothing less than terrorist acts," Zelenskyy said on Telegram, calling for international pressure on Russia and accountability for its actions.

Escalating Attacks and Civilian Toll

The attack in Kryvyi Rih occurred amidst intensified Russian bombardments of Ukrainian cities in recent months. Simultaneously, Ukraine has increased attacks within Russia, targeting oil facilities and logistics infrastructure to disrupt Moscow’s war efforts. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported a high civilian death toll for July – at least 437 killed and 2,610 injured – marking the highest monthly figure since May 2022.

International Support Expected

Al Jazeera’s Audrey Macalpine reported that the attack sparked outrage, with some calling it a blatant act of terror. She also noted Ukraine has been stepping up attacks on Russian warehouses linked to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. Countries allied with Ukraine are scheduled to meet Monday, Ukrainian independence day, to reaffirm their support for Kyiv.

The international community is expected to address the escalating violence and consider further measures in response to these recent attacks.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.