At least two killed in ‘horrific’ Russian attack on Ukraine’s Dobropillia
Al Jazeera2 days
Russia Drops 500-Kilogram Bomb on Ukrainian Shopping Center
Above: Rescuers respond at the site of a Russian airstrike on a residential district on July 16, 2025, in Dobropillia, Ukraine. Image copyright: Vladyslav Ukolov/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
This is another deliberate war crime targeting innocent civilians in a crowded shopping area during peak hours. Russia specifically chose to bomb a commercial center when people were returning from work, showing complete disregard for civilian lives. The international community must impose stronger sanctions to stop such horrific acts that aim to kill as many people as possible, rather than achieve any strategic objective.
Pro-Russia narrative
Military operations continue as part of Russia's broader strategic objectives in the Donetsk region, where forces are advancing toward key positions. The strike targeted infrastructure in an area near active combat zones where Ukrainian military positions and logistics networks operate, unlike Ukraine, which has repeatedly struck residential buildings, causing widespread civilian harm.