During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there has been substantial evidence that Russia is targeting civilians. Amid the G7 summit in Germany, it was reported that a Ukrainian shopping center was hit by Russian missiles. And the already heavily sanctioned Russians are concerned that additional actions against them may be under discussion.

The G7 Summit hosted by Germany is underway this week. It took place June 26-28 south of Munich at Schloss Elmau, a five-star hotel and castle near the Austrian border.

World leaders from member-states Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. are meeting to discuss global economic and political challenges. 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is one of the most important topics of the day at the summit. Leaders of the G7 group called the strike a “war crime.” And claimed that "Indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians constitute a war crime," and went on to condemn the "abominable attack."

Russia says mall hit was not targeting civilians 

On Monday it was announced by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky that a Russian missile strike hit a crowded shopping mall. The attack took place in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk. And Ukraine's State Emergency Service said 18 people were reported killed with 59 injured. An estimated 1,000 people were reportedly inside the building at the time of the attack. 

Zelensky said the attack was "one of the most brazen terrorist acts in European history.” 

"A peaceful town, an ordinary shopping center — women, children, ordinary civilians inside," Zelensky shared a video of the mall engulfed in flames with dozens of rescuers and a fire truck outside. And the video was played at the G7.

The Moscow Times reported that Russia is not responsible for the deadly missile strike, calling accusations that it targeted civilians “fake” and a “provocation.”

Russia often denies it targets Ukrainian civilians. And hospitals, schools, and residential buildings have often been attacked and destroyed during the four-month-long Russian attack. 

In early June Russia claimed it hit the site of US weapons sent to Ukraine. And the Ukrainians claimed that a train repair depot had been hit.  

The Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that it carried out a targeted strike on a stockpile of Western weapons. And it was not aimed at the shopping mall. They added the resulting explosion started a fire at “a non-operating shopping center” next door.

The weapons, according to the Defense Ministry, from the US and Europe were destroyed by Russian missiles. And it made no mention of civilian casualties.

The Kremlin-backed Defense Ministry’s statement was pointed out by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. On Tuesday he told reporters that the military's account of the incident had been accurate and "comprehensive"