Kryvyi Rig Missile Attack Claims 18 Lives
A recent missile strike in Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has tragically resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, including nine children, as reported by local authorities. The attack, which struck a residential area close to a children’s playground, injured 61 others, according to Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Sergiy Lysak, who provided updates following emergency operations late Friday night.
Eyewitness accounts and unverified videos circulating on social media depict shocking scenes from the aftermath of the strike. Bodies were seen lying in the streets, while plumes of smoke billowed into the evening sky. Footage revealed a burning vehicle amid the chaos, with sounds of panicked voices echoing in the background.
Devastating Impact on Children
Governor Lysak, sharing the tragic news on Telegram, stated, “Eighteen… that is the number of people who were killed by the Russians when they launched a missile at Kryvyi Rig. Among them were nine children.” He further revealed that 12 children sustained injuries during the attack, highlighting the devastating impact on the youngest victims.
In an emotional response, Lysak remarked, “This is the kind of pain you would not wish even on your worst enemy.” These words resonate deeply in a region that has repeatedly faced the horrors of war.
Russia’s Justification and the International Response
In contrast, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that the strike was a “precision attack” aimed at a restaurant where military commanders and Western instructors were reportedly gathered. The ministry also announced that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 49 Ukrainian drones during the same night.
President Zelensky condemned the strike, suggesting it underscored Russia’s ongoing refusal to pursue peace negotiations. He stated, “There is but one reason this continues – Russia does not want a ceasefire, and we see it. The whole world sees it.” This reflects a growing frustration among Ukrainian leaders about the lack of progress in peace talks.
US Involvement and Ceasefire Challenges
US President Donald Trump has pushed for an expedited resolution to the conflict since taking office. However, his administration has faced significant hurdles in facilitating a ceasefire, even as dialogues continue with both Ukraine and Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointedly remarked that Trump would not engage in protracted negotiations, emphasizing, “We will know soon enough, in weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not.”
Echoing Zelensky’s sentiments, Rubio’s comments highlight the skepticism surrounding Russia’s commitment to negotiate a ceasefire. As Zelensky pointed out in an evening address, the continual aggression suggests a disregard for diplomatic solutions, stating, “A ceasefire could have been achieved by now, and it is Putin who rejects it.”
A City Under Siege
Kryvyi Rig, located in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, lies approximately 60 kilometers from the front lines of conflict and has been subjected to frequent attacks by Russian forces. The city, which had a pre-war population of about 600,000, is not only President Zelensky’s birthplace but also a significant industrial hub.
In light of the latest tragedy, Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian official dedicated to combating misinformation, identified the missile used in the attack as an “Iskander,” a Russian ballistic missile system capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away. Kovalenko emphasized that this strike appeared to be a deliberate act intended to inflict maximum casualties.
Casualties from Additional Attacks
The violence in Kryvyi Rig did not end with the missile strike. In a separate drone attack, a 56-year-old woman lost her life, and seven others were injured. This continuous onslaught underscores the volatile situation in the region and the dire consequences for its residents.
As the conflict wages on, the residents of Kryvyi Rig face the constant threat of violence, further complicating their struggle for stability and peace in the midst of a protracted war.
