A recent missile strike by Russian forces on Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 19 individuals, including nine children—a devastating toll in the ongoing conflict. The attack, which injured over 70 people, including a three-month-old infant, caused significant damage to residential buildings, educational institutions, and local businesses, as reported by Kryvyi Rih’s mayor, Oleksandr Vilkul, who described the incident as a “tragic evening and night.”
The missile used was a ballistic type with a cluster warhead, designed to inflict maximum damage over a larger area. This incident has marked one of the deadliest strikes of the year amid continuing violence, despite international efforts, including from the Trump administration, to achieve a peace resolution. In a nightly address, President Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which struck near residential areas and playgrounds.
In addition to the Kryvyi Rih strike, Russian forces targeted a power plant in Kherson, raising concerns about intentional attacks on energy infrastructure, which Russia has previously promised to protect. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry claimed its strike was aimed at a meeting of Ukrainian and Western military officials, alleging significant enemy losses in the attack.
The conflict shows little sign of resolution. Despite ongoing negotiations mediated by the US, which include discussions about a ceasefire, observers believe that Russia is dragging its feet, aiming to gain advantages on the battlefield. Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with a Russian envoy, emphasising the urgency for progress in peace talks to end the war, which has now stretched over three years.
Zelenskyy, in his address, reiterated the need for protection for civilian areas and expressed frustration at the lack of progress towards a ceasefire. While recent negotiations had suggested some alignment on halting military actions in the Black Sea, Russia has since added new conditions, such as lifting sanctions on its banks and exports, complicating any potential agreement.
As the situation develops, the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with the latest assault on Kryvyi Rih underscoring the dire need for a lasting peace agreement in the region.