A missile strike in Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's hometown leads to significant casualties and damage.
A Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, a central Ukrainian city and the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, including nine children, as reported by Regional Governor Serhii Lysak.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, also left 61 people injured, with ages ranging from a three-month-old infant to elderly community members.
Currently, 40 individuals remain hospitalized, including two children in critical condition and 17 others in serious condition.
In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have executed a precise strike with a high-explosive warhead on a restaurant that was reportedly hosting a meeting of military commanders and Western instructors.
The ministry alleged that the assault killed 85 military personnel and foreign officers and destroyed 20 military vehicles, although these assertions have not been independently verified by other sources.
The Ukrainian General Staff dismissed the Russian claims, challenging their credibility.
The missile caused extensive damage in Kryvyi Rih, impacting an area near residential buildings, playgrounds, and regular streets.
Local officials confirmed that about 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational facility, and the restaurant were damaged by the strike.
Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city's defense council, expressed deep sorrow for the victims.
In response to the attack, President Zelenskyy condemned the strike via a Telegram message, emphasizing the civilian nature of the impact zone.
He characterized the ongoing assault as indicative of Russia's unwillingness to engage in peace talks, asserting that each missile and drone strike demonstrates Russia's intent to perpetuate conflict.
Zelenskyy has called upon Ukraine’s allies to bolster pressure on Moscow and enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Additionally, a subsequent drone strike in Kryvyi Rih resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to seven others.
This attack further raises concerns regarding the escalation of military actions by Russia, particularly following a recent series of bombings across Ukraine.
Two weeks prior, 14 individuals were killed in a separate attack in Dobropillia, eastern Donetsk, which was marked by strikes on civilian targets.
This continuous pattern of assaults has coincided with heightened geopolitical tensions, including remarks from former U.S. President
Donald Trump expressing support for Putin.
Zelenskyy has consistently criticized acts of violence against civilians, describing them as vile and inhumane tactics used by Russian forces.