Fire engulfs Sumy shopping centre after Russian drone strike

A drone strike by Russian forces on the evening of July 20th set fire to the main shopping centre in Sumy, Ukraine, according to local authorities. The attack, which targeted a commercial complex in the city’s central district, caused extensive damage to the building’s roof and interior, igniting a blaze that quickly spread across multiple floors. Firefighters were dispatched within minutes, but the intensity of the flames and the building’s structural damage hampered their efforts, resulting in a prolonged firefighting operation that lasted several hours.

The incident has left at least three people injured, with two requiring hospitalization for smoke inhalation and minor burns. No fatalities have been reported, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that the fire was contained before it could reach adjacent structures. Sumy’s mayor has called the incident a “tragic reminder” of the ongoing conflict’s impact on civilian infrastructure, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have pledged to investigate the drone strike’s origins. The shopping centre, a popular destination for residents, is expected to remain closed for an extended period as repairs and safety inspections are conducted.