In Photos: Ukrainian Shopping Center Lies in Ruins Following Russian Missile Strike
A Russian missile struck a shopping center in Kremenchuk, central Ukraine on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has blasted as a "brazen terrorist attack."
Russia maintains that the mall hadn’t been open during the strike and that its forces were targeting a nearby stockpile of Western-supplied weapons — a version of events that Ukraine denies.
Days later, rescuers are still working to recover victims from the rubble:
Russia maintains that the mall hadn’t been open during the strike and that its forces were targeting a nearby stockpile of Western-supplied weapons — a version of events that Ukraine denies.
Days later, rescuers are still working to recover victims from the rubble:
Around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Kremenchuk residents reported hearing a loud explosion that was quickly followed by another one.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
The blasts were followed by a massive fire at the shopping center. Ukrainian authorities say at least 19 people died at the scene of the strike and one person died in the hospital.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
According to Russia's Defense Ministry, the shopping mall caught fire after the Western weapons it was targeting detonated.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
But security camera footage from the park next to the warehouse shows the first missile striking the shopping mall.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Moscow also claims that the mall hadn't been operational, while footage of the mall two days prior suggests otherwise.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
A Kh-22 anti-ship missile fired from Tu-22 bombers based in western Russia struck the mall, according to the Ukrainian air force.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
This type of missile is not suited for targeted strikes in civilian areas and was developed in the 1960-1970s.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack "one of the most brazen terrorist acts in European history.”
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak accused Russia of being a "terrorist state."
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's UN deputy representative, claimed the attack looked like a "new Bucha-style Ukrainian provocation," referring to mass atrocities committed against civilians in a Kyiv suburb.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
