Russian drone strike on Ukrainian shopping centre kills 15

A Russian drone strike has devastated a shopping centre in Ukraine, killing 15 people and wounding 130 others in what officials describe as a deliberate double-tap attack. The assault, which struck the civilian facility twice in succession, left dozens injured including 23 children, according to regional authorities overseeing the affected area.

Double-tap strikes, which involve a second attack on the same location shortly after the initial strike, are commonly used to maximize casualties by targeting first responders and civilians attempting to provide assistance. The tactic has drawn international condemnation as a potential violation of humanitarian law.

The attack underscores the ongoing toll of Russia's aerial bombardment campaign against Ukrainian cities and civilian targets. Regional officials have not yet disclosed the specific location of the shopping centre or additional details about the circumstances surrounding the strike.

Russia has intensified its use of unmanned aerial vehicles in recent months, conducting sustained strikes against urban centres across Ukraine. The campaign has repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure including markets, transport hubs, and residential areas, drawing repeated protests from Ukrainian authorities and international observers.