On the evening of 21 August, as people were returning home from work, Russian forces struck one of the largest shopping centres in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, with drones.

The city is around 60 kilometres from the frontline. The attack came in two waves: around half an hour after the first strike caused a fire, a second strike hit while emergency responders were working at the scene.

At least 16 people were reportedly killed and 130 injured, including children. Nine people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supports the city with ambulance services during mass-casualty events.

Following the attack, MSF paramedics transferred a 16-year-old girl from a hospital in Kryvyi Rih to a hospital in Dnipro for specialised care.

“A patient had sustained blast injuries while on the ground floor of the shopping centre, choosing a jumper. She was stable during the transfer and received oxygen, infusions and other necessary care. She required anaesthesia. After the transfer, doctors urgently prepared her for surgery to remove a fragment lodged in her forehead.” Borys Mitiai, MSF paramedic

Meanwhile, hospitals and healthcare workers in Ukraine continue to come under attack on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. 

On the morning of 22 August, the district hospital in Snihurivka, Mykolaiv region, which has a long-standing partnership with MSF, including support for tuberculosis screening, was reportedly hit by drones. Fortunately, no medical staff or patients were injured. 

The appalling pattern of attacks outlined in MSF report “No safe place to heal” continues. Healthcare and civilians must be protected. Healthcare facilities and medical workers must be safe.