Tragic Airstrike Hits Ukrainian Shopping Centre, Leaving Two Dead and Over 27 Injured

Sun Dec 07 2025 08:56:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Russian airstrike on a busy shopping center in Dobropillia has resulted in fatalities and significant damage amid heightened military tensions in Ukraine.

The recent strike on a Ukrainian shopping centre has claimed two lives and injured at least 27, igniting condemnation from President Zelensky as air assaults by Russia intensify.

In a devastating incident, at least two individuals lost their lives and over 27 were injured as a Russian airstrike targeted a shopping centre and market in Dobropillia, located in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. The attack took place on Wednesday evening, resulting in damage to more than 50 stores, 300 residential apartments, and eight vehicles, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin's reports on Telegram.

Condemning the assault, President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the airstrike as "simply horrific," asserting that the attack lacked any military rationale. This incident aligns with a broader pattern of intensified Russian aerial assaults in Ukraine, as noted during a week-long visit by US special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss partnerships with the Ukrainian government.

Filashkin detailed that a 500-kg (1,100-pound) bomb struck at 17:20 local time (14:20 GMT) when the area was bustling with shoppers. Dobropillia, situated approximately 20 km (12 miles) from the frontline, has been subjected to various attacks following Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A previous assault in March resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives, including five children.

Simultaneously, Moscow's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin disclosed that Russian defense forces shot down three drones targeting the capital early Thursday morning, without reporting any casualties at the scene.

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump voiced concerns that Ukraine should avoid targeting Moscow while expressing frustration over the lack of progress towards a peace settlement. Trump emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire, warning of potential sanctions on Russia should a deal not materialize within 50 days. He also announced plans for the US to supply "top-of-the-line weapons" to Ukraine through NATO channels, aiming to empower the country in its defense.

As the conflict escalates, the United Nations has reported that over 230 civilians were killed in June alone, marking the highest monthly toll during the ongoing conflict.