Kyiv, April 5, (V7N) – A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has resulted in at least 18 deaths, including six children, in a residential area on Friday, local officials reported. More than 50 people were injured, with over 30, including a three-month-old baby, hospitalized.
 
The attack targeted a civilian area, causing fires and significant damage to residential blocks. Video footage circulating on Telegram showed bodies lying in the street, some near a playground, with grey smoke rising in the background.
 
Russia's Defense Ministry, however, claimed that the strike targeted a "high-precision" attack on a gathering of military commanders and foreign instructors in a restaurant. They claimed the attack resulted in the deaths of up to 85 personnel.
 
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, urging Western nations to increase pressure on Russia to end the war. "Diplomacy means nothing to them," he said, highlighting the ongoing violence and civilian casualties.
 
The U.S. recently brokered two ceasefire accords between Russia and Ukraine, including one to cease strikes on energy infrastructure, but both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the terms.
 
This attack marks one of the deadliest Russian strikes in 2023 and follows recent incidents of missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Ukraine.
 
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