Russian Missile Strike Kills 16, Including Children, in Zelensky’s Hometown
KYIV: A Russian ballistic missile struck the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s birthplace, killing 16 people—including six children—and injuring more than 50 others on Friday, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
The missile hit a residential neighborhood close to a children’s playground, causing significant destruction. According to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s military administration, rescue teams were still working at the scene. Unverified footage on social media showed smoke rising and bodies lying in the streets.
President Zelensky, addressing the attack on Telegram, stated, “The preliminary data confirms a ballistic missile strike. So far, 16 lives have been lost, six of them children.” He emphasized that the war continues only because “Russia refuses a ceasefire,” urging the global community to increase pressure on Moscow and support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Kryvyi Rih, located in central Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, is about 60 kilometers from the front lines and has been a frequent target of missile and drone attacks. This latest strike follows another deadly assault on Wednesday that left at least four dead.
Interior Minister Igor Klymenko reported damage to five apartment buildings and confirmed that police are investigating the attack as a potential war crime. Law enforcement is also assisting victims and maintaining security at the scene.
Video clips posted online showed a car engulfed in flames and bystanders shouting for help. Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko identified the missile used as an “Iskander,” a high-precision Russian ballistic missile with a range of up to 500 kilometers.
Calling the strike a deliberate act aimed at maximizing casualties, Kovalenko accused Moscow of intentionally targeting civilians.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a U.S.-Ukraine proposal for an unconditional ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Trump’s administration won’t allow negotiations to drag on endlessly. “We’ll find out in weeks—not months—if Russia is serious about peace,” Rubio noted.
Zelensky, in his evening speech, condemned Moscow’s disregard for diplomacy. “Putin could have agreed to a ceasefire. He chose more violence,” the Ukrainian leader said.
