Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Kryvyi Rih

A devastating Russian ballistic missile strike on Friday targeted the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuries to over 50 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. This attack occurred as leaders from the United States and Europe intensified their calls for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Civilian Casualties and Damage

Tragically, six children were among the fatalities in the strike that hit the Dnipropetrovsk region city, the native city of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Serhii Lysak, the region's leader, characterized the attack as a deliberate "assault against civilians." President Zelenskyy conveyed his outrage on Telegram, stating, "A Russian missile on an ordinary city. Just on a street. In an area with residential buildings." He reported that at least five buildings sustained damage in the attack, and rescue efforts were underway.

Zelenskyy's Accusation and Plea for Aid

President Zelenskyy directly attributed the persistent attacks to Russia's lack of desire to end the war. "Russia is only interested in war and the continuous strikes can well collaborate the facts," he asserted. He urgently appealed to Ukraine's allies to escalate pressure on Moscow and to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. He emphasized, "The United States, Europe, and the rest of the world have enough power to make Russia abandon terror and war."

Preceding Drone Attack on Kharkiv

The deadly missile strike followed a separate drone attack late on Thursday in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which claimed the lives of five civilians. Scenes of emergency personnel carrying body bags from a burning apartment building unfolded as distressed onlookers grieved