Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian president’s home city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 19 lives, including nine children. The devastating attack marked one of the deadliest events this year in an ongoing conflict that continues without resolution, despite efforts for peace from the Trump administration.
On Saturday, Oleksandr Vilkul, the mayor of Kryvyi Rih, took to Telegram to share his condolences, characterizing the event as a tragic evening and night. The assault resulted in vital destruction, affecting numerous apartment complexes, schools, shops, and businesses, while leaving 72 individuals injured, among them a three-month-old baby.
Russian forces launched a cluster warhead ballistic missile at Kryvyi Rih, targeting a wider area and more people, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.
Russia has launched multiple attacks on Zelensky’s hometown in the past few months.
Despite his inability to secure an agreement, US President Donald Trump has vowed to resolve the conflict swiftly. Ukraine’s ally claims that Russia is attempting to secure a military edge by delaying negotiations.
In his nightly address shortly after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
“Houses destroyed, numerous hurt.” Zelensky reported that the missile struck a children’s playground and nearby streets close to residential buildings.
Several European officials, including the British and German ambassadors to Ukraine, condemned Russia’s strike.
Russia’s defense ministry stated on Telegram that a high-precision missile strike targeted a meeting between Ukrainian and Western officers in a restaurant in Kryvyi Rih.
The post claimed the strike cost the enemy 85 foreign servicemen and officers and 20 vehicles.
