18 dead, including children, in devastating missile strike on Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih

On April 4, 2025, a devastating missile strike occurred in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing at least 18 individuals, including nine children, and injuring over 60 others. This attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the city since the onset of the war in 2022. The injuries sustained were reported to range from a 3-month-old baby to elderly residents, with 40 individuals remaining hospitalized. Regional governor Serhii Lysak stated that the situation was dire, with two children in critical condition and 17 others serious. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city's defense council, expressed the community's grief, stating, "There can never be forgiveness for this," as he honored the victims. Kryvyi Rih is notably the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who condemned the strike, emphasizing that Russia's continuous aggression highlights its commitment to warfare. Local authorities reported significant damage from the missile strike, affecting approximately 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, as well as an educational facility and a restaurant. Contrarily, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that their operation had effectively targeted military personnel, alleging that the strike resulted in the deaths of 85 military members and foreign officers, along with the destruction of 20 vehicles. These claims have been rejected by the Ukrainian General Staff, who also questioned the veracity of the Russian military's assertions. In addition to the missile strike, a subsequent drone strike targeted Kryvyi Rih shortly after, leading to further casualties, including the death of one woman and injuries to seven others. This indicates an ongoing pattern of aggression from Russia, which has prompted Zelenskyy to call for increased support from Ukraine's allies to bolster defense capabilities and exert more pressure on Moscow. This recent incident has occurred amidst ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire, with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a resolution. However, NATO officials have expressed concerns regarding Russia's slow pace in peace negotiations, emphasizing that more action is needed from Moscow to bring the conflict to an end. Zelenskyy has voiced his belief that, with sufficient international power, Russia could be made to abandon its terror tactics and warfare. As the humanitarian crisis continues in Ukraine due to relentless attacks, it remains clear that a significant diplomatic effort is required to navigate toward a solution that will stop the bloodshed and restore peace to the region.