Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Deadly Missile Attack Hits Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
A Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has resulted in the deaths of eighteen individuals, including nine children, according to a Ukrainian official. The attack, which occurred on Friday, also left 61 people wounded, encompassing a three-month-old infant and elderly residents, as confirmed by regional governor Serhii Lysak. Currently, forty individuals remain hospitalized, with two children in critical condition and seventeen others in serious condition.
Residential Area Targeted
President Zelenskyy communicated via Telegram that the missile impacted an area in close proximity to residential buildings, directly affecting a playground and ordinary streets. He attributed these persistent attacks to Russia’s unwillingness to cease hostilities, stating, “Every missile, every drone strike proves Russia wants only war.” Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s allies to intensify pressure on Moscow and reinforce Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Calls for International Action
The Ukrainian President asserted, “The United States, Europe, and the rest of the world have enough power to make Russia abandon terror and war.” Oleksandr Vilkul, head of Kryvyi Rih’s defense council, expressed profound grief, declaring, “There can never be forgiveness for this. Eternal memory to the victims.”
Extensive Damage Reported
Local authorities reported significant damage from the missile strike, including approximately 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational institution, and a restaurant impacted.
Conflicting Claims on Strike Objectives
The Russian defense ministry issued a statement on Friday asserting that they conducted a high-precision missile strike utilizing a high explosive warhead targeting a restaurant. They claimed this location was hosting a meeting of Ukrainian unit commanders and western instructors.
Russian Military Claims
According to Russian military sources, the strike resulted in the deaths of 85 military personnel and foreign officers, and destroyed 20 vehicles. These military claims have not been independently verified. The Ukrainian General Staff has refuted the Russian assertions.
Follow-up Drone Attack
Subsequent to the missile strike, a drone attack on Kryvyi Rih resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to seven others, further escalating the day’s casualties.