Kryvyi Rih mall strike kills at least 16, Zelensky renews call for more Patriot systems
A Russian strike on a shopping centre in President Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih has killed at least 16 people, with several still missing. Ukraine's president is renewing his months-long appeal for more Patriot air defence interceptors.
Rescue teams in Kryvyi Rih are still sifting through the rubble following a Russian strike that hit a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown. At least 16 people have been confirmed dead so far, while several others remain unaccounted for, meaning the toll could still rise.
The attack has added fresh urgency to an appeal Zelensky has been making for months: that Ukraine needs more Patriot air defence interceptors. With winter approaching, the threat of intensified aerial attacks is seen as especially severe, and Kyiv is stressing the need for stronger protection against Russian missile and drone strikes.
Civilian death toll climbing
According to available reporting, civilian casualties in Ukraine have reached their highest level since 2022, when Russia's full-scale invasion began. This underlines the gravity of the current situation and reinforces Kyiv's push for international allies to provide additional air defence equipment.
Zelensky argues that Patriot systems are critical to protecting civilian infrastructure and the population from further strikes, particularly as the coming winter season approaches, a period when Russia has traditionally intensified attacks on energy and other infrastructure.
