Russia May Be Preparing New Attacks on Shopping Malls in Ukrainian Cities — Vilkul
On August 22, Oleksandr Vilkul, chairman of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, stated that intelligence reports warn of possible new Russian strikes on large shopping centers in cities near the front lines. According to him, Kryvyi Rih may be among the potential targets, so residents were urged to avoid visiting large shopping centers or to use only those equipped with shelters.
“In Kryvyi Rih, the enemy has already struck two large shopping complexes—‘Epicenter’ and ‘Sunny Gallery.’ There is intelligence indicating that strikes on other large shopping centers in frontline cities—and, in particular, Kryvyi Rih—are possible,” Vilkul stated.
In light of this, he urged Ukrainians to avoid visiting large shopping malls or, at the very least, to visit only those where the owners have set up shelters. And most importantly—to take shelter in these shelters when an air raid alert is sounded.
Vilkul also commented on the situation regarding the operation of retail facilities in Kryvyi Rih, including the destroyed “Soniachna Galereya” shopping center. According to him, the facility’s management had been informed that operating during an air raid alert is prohibited.
“There is a decision by the Regional Defense Council, and there is a decision by the City Defense Council—the most recent meeting regarding the ban on operating during an air raid alert took place at the City Executive Committee on July 29 of this year, less than a month ago, where more than 100 business owners and store owners, including the management of ‘Sunny Gallery,’ were made aware that operating during an air raid alert is not permitted. And shifting the responsibility for this onto visitors and tenants is wrong,” he emphasized.
According to Vilkul, an air raid alert was announced over the loudspeakers at the “Sunny Gallery” shopping center yesterday, 20 minutes before the explosion. However, despite this, the stores remained open, people were inside them, and few sought shelter.
Source: Oleksandr Vilkul
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In Kherson, power outages occurred as a result of yet another round of Russian shelling.
