After the bombing of schools, hospitals and theatres, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned to a new target: a shopping centre in the eastern city of Kremenchuk.
Several people have died and another 40 were wounded when the Russian missile strike hit the shopping mall, which had 1,000 people inside at the time.
As of Monday night the official death toll is 10, but that is likely to rise significantly as the rubble is cleared over the coming days.
The attack on another civilian centre by Russian forces on Monday came on the day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was addressing the leaders of the G7 group of nations.
“This appalling attack has shown once again the depths of cruelty and barbarism to which the Russian leader will sink,” said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He slated Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “cruelty and barbarism” in targeting a venue often frequented by kids and old people.
The mall was still smouldering by Monday night, after 115 firefighters battled to put out the flames. They are now searching the debris for survivors.
Meanwhile, Zelensky told the G7 leaders that he hopes the war will end “before winter sets in” in Europe at the end of this year. In return, the G7 said they will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.
Kremenchuk is home to Ukraine’s largest oil refinery, which Russian forces have repeatedly targeted.
The devastating news of the shopping centre strike came not only as Zelensky addressed world leaders, but as news emerged that Russia had defaulted on its debt for the first time in decades. This is seen as a sign that sanctions are having an impact.
Johnson added: “Putin must realise that his behaviour will do nothing but strengthen the resolve of the Ukraine and every other G7 country to stand by the Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
