On the afternoon of 21 October 2026, Russian troops attacked the METRO hypermarket in Rivne. Prior to the explosion, the Ukrainian Air Force had warned of a jet-powered drone approaching the city. As a result of the strike, the retail premises sustained damage; rescue workers and other emergency services are currently at the scene. The attack was confirmed by Oleksandr Koval, head of the Rivne Regional Military Administration. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties.
- On 21 October, a Russian drone attacked the METRO hypermarket in Rivne.
- Before the explosion, the Air Force had issued a warning about a jet-powered UAV heading towards the city.
- The strike caused damage to the retail premises.
- Rescue workers and other emergency services are at the scene.
A Russian jet-powered drone attacked the METRO in Rivne
On Wednesday, 21 October, at around 3.10 pm, the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning about a Russian jet-powered drone heading towards Rivne. Shortly afterwards, local residents heard a powerful explosion.
It later emerged that a strike on the METRO hypermarket, situated on Kulika and Gudachek Streets. Residents of the Yuvileiny neighbourhood reported a column of black smoke rising near the shopping centre.
Head of the Rivne Regional State Administration Oleksandr Koval confirmed the attack and reported that he was personally at the scene alongside representatives of the emergency services.
According to preliminary reports from the regional authorities, there are no casualties. Meanwhile, experts are continuing to assess the consequences of the Russian strike.
What is known about the damage to the METRO hypermarket
Photographs from the scene show damage to the roof and parts of the structure of the retail building. Smoke was also visible rising from the building.
At this stage, the exact extent of the damage and the scale of the financial losses have not been determined. There is as yet no information regarding the status of stock levels, equipment or the likely timeframe for the hypermarket to resume operations.
Emergency services are surveying the area and dealing with the aftermath of the strike. No official information regarding the extent of any possible fire has been released at this stage.
Russia continues to attack civilian targets in the Rivne region
The strike on METRO was the latest attack on civilian infrastructure in the Rivne region in recent days.
In particular, on 20 October, Russian troops attacked the «Epicentre» hypermarket in Dubno. A major fire broke out there, and the building sustained significant damage. There were casualties as a result of the attack.
In addition, on 16 October in Rivne A Russian jet-powered drone damaged the «Equator» shopping and leisure centre, located near METRO.
The Rivne regional authorities are continuing to assess the consequences of the attack on 21 October. Residents are urged not to ignore air-raid sirens and to remain in shelters until the all-clear is given.
