Ukraine-Russia war, today's news, at least 15 dead in a Russian raid on a shopping mall, new air alert in Kiev.

In the early hours of August 22, Russian air strikes targeted Kyiv, prompting an emergency alert and causing at least two civilian deaths. The attacks, which included ballistic missile launches, were confirmed by Ukrainian military authorities, who urged residents to seek shelter in nearby bunkers. Simultaneously, the death toll from a previous Russian attack on the commercial center in Kryvyi Rih rose to 15, with 130 injured, including 23 children. The assault on Kryvyi Rih, one of Ukraine’s largest shopping centers, marked another grim chapter in the ongoing conflict. The night began with reports of multiple explosions near Kyiv, as Ukrainian forces detected the launch of several ballistic missiles toward the capital. According to Rbc-Ucraina, the city's air defense system activated, triggering alarms and forcing civilians into shelters. The Ukrainian military confirmed the threat, stating that the enemy had launched weapons capable of inflicting severe damage. In response, the air force confirmed the presence of incoming projectiles and warned citizens to remain indoors until the danger passed. At least one person was killed in the initial strikes, while others sustained injuries, though exact figures were still being verified. Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Kryvyi Rih, the aftermath of the Russian strike continued to unfold. The attack on the commercial complex, which housed numerous businesses and residential areas, resulted in a devastating loss of life. Local media, including Kyev Independent, reported that the number of fatalities climbed to 15, with over 130 individuals wounded. Among the injured were 23 minors, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the attack on civilian populations. Emergency services worked through the night to rescue survivors and assess the extent of structural damage to the building. European Union officials reacted swiftly to the tragedy. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, condemned the attack as evidence of Russia’s “absolute and total depravity.” She described the strike on Kryvyi Rih as an intentional act of terror aimed at making Ukrainian cities uninhabitable. Kallas emphasized that the EU would continue expanding its support for Ukraine, including enhancing defensive capabilities such as air and missile systems. She also announced plans to introduce additional sanctions against Russia, marking the most extensive measures taken since the war began. President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose hometown of Kryvyi Rih was hit, took to social media to share his concerns. He called upon United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for urgent intervention, detailing the ongoing violence and civilian casualties. During their conversation, Zelensky informed Guterres of the continuous Russian attacks and the growing toll on innocent lives. Guterres responded by condemning the assaults and reaffirming the international community’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. The call underscored the mounting pressure on global leaders to take stronger action against Russia’s escalating aggression. As the situation continues to evolve, both sides remain locked in a brutal struggle. Ukrainian forces have intensified their efforts to defend key urban centers, while Russian troops persist in launching coordinated offensives targeting infrastructure and population hubs. The recent attacks highlight the increasing lethality of modern warfare and the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country. With diplomatic channels under strain and military operations intensifying, the path forward remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder how long this cycle of destruction will continue.