A Russian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 18 confirmed dead, including nine children, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which occurred on the evening of April 4, 2025, has left dozens wounded and has been described as one of the deadliest incidents in the city since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who grew up in Kryvyi Rih, expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that five buildings were damaged in the strike. "There is only one reason why this continues: Russia doesn't want a ceasefire, and we see it," he wrote on social media. Images from the scene showed a victim lying in a playground and a large section of a ten-storey block of flats destroyed.
Local officials reported that a ballistic missile struck a residential area, causing widespread devastation. The missile was identified as an Iskander-M, which is known for its capability to carry cluster warheads, designed to maximize casualties. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of Kryvyi Rih's defense, stated that the missile exploded in the air, injuring more people and tragically killing children on or near a playground.
Serhii Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk region, confirmed that over 40 individuals were treated for wounds, with the youngest victim being just three months old. The aftermath of the attack saw horrific scenes, with unverified videos circulating on social media showing bodies on the streets and plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
In a conflicting narrative, Russia's defense ministry claimed that the strike targeted a gathering of Ukrainian servicemen and Western instructors at a restaurant, asserting that up to 85 people were killed. However, they provided no evidence to support this claim, and Ukraine's military accused Russia of spreading false information to cover up what they termed a "cynical crime."
As the situation unfolded, Kryvyi Rih faced further threats. Vilkul reported a "mass" drone attack later that evening, which triggered fires in at least four locations and resulted in additional casualties, including one elderly woman who burned to death in her home. Another five individuals were injured in these subsequent attacks.
The assault on Kryvyi Rih follows a series of violent incidents in recent days. Earlier that week, the city experienced another attack that left four people dead, while Russian drone strikes on the northeastern city of Kharkiv claimed five lives just a day before the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih.
Military chiefs from the UK and France met with Zelensky in Kyiv earlier on the same day as the attack, discussing plans for foreign peacekeepers to be stationed in Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement. However, the recent violence raises questions about the feasibility of peace talks, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy criticized Russia for its continued bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, stating that the Russian leader could accept a ceasefire but chooses not to.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Americans would soon learn whether Russia was serious about pursuing real peace or merely stalling for time. The international community is closely watching the developments, as Kryvyi Rih, with a population of 600,000 and located about 40 miles from the front line, has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
In the wake of the missile strike, Zelensky reiterated the need for global pressure on Russia to end its aggression. He stated, "Only the world's pressure on Russia, all efforts to strengthen Ukraine, our air defense, our forces – only this will determine when the war will end." The situation in Kryvyi Rih serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human cost of the war, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict.
The attack has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, with many calling it a war crime. As investigations continue, Ukrainian officials have vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The police are documenting the consequences of this latest attack and gathering statements from victims.
As the world watches, the plight of Kryvyi Rih and its residents highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict that has caused so much suffering. The call for peace grows louder, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges as the violence shows no signs of abating.
