A Russian 500-kg aerial bomb reduced a bustling shopping center in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast to rubble, killing two and injuring at least 28 on July 16. The heart of Dobropillia city was targeted in a broad daylight strike that left more than 54 shops destroyed, over 300 apartments damaged, and multiple cars obliterated. A massive fire erupted after the impact, prompting an urgent response from emergency crews.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the attack as "horrendous, dumb Russian terror" devoid of military rationale. This violent escalation comes just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum, warning of severe tariffs on Russia unless a peace deal is reached. Despite repeated warnings, Russia continues its brutal offensive with impunity. The civilian toll rises, as Ukraine's east remains under siege in the face of international deadlines and unrelenting destruction.