At Least 16 Dead and 59 Injured
Russia Appears to Respond to Western Sanctions with 'Show of Force'
G7 Leaders Say "War Crimes Against Civilians... Putin Must Be Held Accountable"
On the 27th (local time), a massive cloud of smoke rose above a shopping center in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, central Ukraine, after a missile attack by Russian forces. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Russia attacked a shopping mall in Ukraine, where over 1,000 civilians had gathered, using a long-range bomber. At least 16 people were killed as a result.
According to major foreign media including the US CNN on the 27th (local time), Russia fired missiles at a shopping mall in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, central Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities told the AP News Agency that a formation of Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers launched missiles targeting the shopping mall and a sports stadium from the skies over Kursk in western Russia, about 330 km away. More than 1,000 people were gathered at the shopping mall, and at least 16 were killed by the bombing. Among 59 injured, 25 were hospitalized.
On the 27th (local time), firefighters are conducting rescue operations at a shopping center in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, central Ukraine, which was reduced to ashes by a missile attack from Russian forces. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that day, along with a video showing black smoke rising, "The shopping center is engulfed in flames, and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire," adding, "The number of casualties is unimaginable."
He continued, "This place poses no threat to the Russian military and has no strategic value," criticizing, "It is futile to expect humanity from the Russian military." Kremenchuk is an industrial city with the largest oil refinery in Ukraine, with a population of about 217,000.
Meanwhile, the bombing occurred on the same day as the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Germany, where additional sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine were agreed upon. Major foreign media analyzed this as Russia demonstrating military power against the West.
In a joint statement issued immediately after the bombing, G7 leaders said, "This is a war crime involving indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians," and "Russian President Vladimir Putin and those responsible must be held accountable."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a separate statement, said, "This attack once again shows the cruelty and atrocities of the Russian leader," criticizing, "Putin must realize that his actions only strengthen the resolve of the UK and all other G7 countries to stand with Ukraine for as long as possible."
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack on Twitter, calling "Russia's bombing of the Kremenchuk shopping center a hateful act." He added, "We must share the grief of the victims' families and anger over such atrocities," and "The Russian people need to know the truth."
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