A Russian missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including nine children, and left dozens more injured, according to Ukrainian officials. 

The attack, which took place on Friday evening, targeted a residential area, causing widespread devastation. 

Among the victims, images revealed one child lying in a playground, while video footage showed significant damage to a 10-storey apartment block and casualties on the streets.

Russia’s defense ministry later claimed the missile was aimed at a meeting of military commanders and Western instructors at a restaurant, alleging that up to 85 individuals had been killed. 

However, no evidence was provided to substantiate this claim. In response, Ukraine’s military dismissed the Russian account as a fabricated attempt to cover up the true nature of the attack. 

They accused Moscow of using an Iskander-M missile with a cluster warhead, designed to inflict maximum casualties.

Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, has witnessed some of the deadliest assaults since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Zelensky condemned the attack, stating on social media that the strike damaged at least five buildings and emphasizing that Russia’s actions show its refusal to pursue a ceasefire. 

Local authorities reported that the missile exploded mid-air, injuring many people, including children playing in a nearby park.

In addition to the missile strike, Kryvyi Rih faced a "mass" drone attack on the same day, causing fires and leading to more casualties. An elderly woman perished in a fire caused by a drone, while five others sustained injuries.

Despite diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, including discussions with military leaders from the UK and France, violence continues unabated in Ukraine.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1158 HRS, APR 05, 2025
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