Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Kryvyi Rih, Causing Multiple Casualties
A devastating Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine, has resulted in at least 16 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. The Friday evening strike is among the most lethal to hit the city since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Children Among the Dead in Residential Area Attack
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was raised in Kryvyi Rih, reported that six children were among those killed. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s defense, stated that a ballistic missile impacted a residential neighborhood.
Visual evidence depicted at least one casualty in a playground, while video footage displayed significant destruction to a 10-story apartment building, with victims visible on the adjacent street.
Conflicting Claims Regarding Target and Casualties
Russia’s Ministry of Defence asserted that its forces targeted a meeting involving a Ukrainian military unit and “officers of foreign countries,” alleging up to 85 deaths. However, they presented no substantiating evidence to support this claim.
Attack Occurs Amidst Ceasefire Discussions
The attack coincides with ongoing discussions regarding a potential ceasefire, particularly as former US President Donald Trump advocates for de-escalation. President Zelensky stated on social media that at least five buildings sustained damage in the Friday strike. “There is only one reason why this continues: Russia doesn’t want a ceasefire, and we see it,” he affirmed.
Widespread Injuries, Including Infant
Serhii Lysak, the regional leader in Kryvyi Rih, indicated that over 40 individuals received treatment for injuries, with the youngest victim being only three months old.
International Diplomatic Efforts
In Kyiv on Friday, military leaders from both the UK and France convened with President Zelensky to deliberate on strategies for deploying international peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a prospective ceasefire agreement. Despite these diplomatic engagements, there has been little indication of a reduction in hostilities.
Recent History of Attacks on Kryvyi Rih
Kryvyi Rih was also subjected to an attack earlier in the week when a central building was struck, resulting in four fatalities.
Kharkiv Also Targeted
Separately on Friday, Russian drone strikes on the northeastern city of Kharkiv resulted in an additional five deaths.
International Condemnation and Peace Process Concerns
France and the UK have accused Russia of prolonging the Ukraine peace process. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, speaking to reporters at a NATO summit in Brussels, stated that the Russian leader “could accept a ceasefire now, [but] he continues to bombard Ukraine, its civilian population”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that the Russian government is aware of the American stance, “and we will know from their answers very soon whether they are serious about proceeding with real peace or whether it is a delay tactic”.
Kryvyi Rih: Location and Significance
Kryvyi Rih, with a population of 600,000, is located approximately 70km (40 miles) from the eastern Ukraine front line and is known as reputedly the longest city in Europe.