Another Devastating Blow in Kryvyi Rih: Russia’s Relentless Attacks Leave Ukraine Grieving
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih—hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky—was rocked by a deadly Russian missile strike that claimed at least 19 lives, including nine children. This horrifying attack, one of the most brutal so far this year, adds to the ongoing devastation of a war that shows no signs of stopping.
What was supposed to be a regular Friday evening quickly turned into a nightmare. A three-month-old baby is among the 72 people reported injured. Residential buildings, schools, shops, and local businesses were all caught in the crossfire—marking yet another dark chapter in this war-torn region’s story.
“It Was a Tragic Night” — Kryvyi Rih in Mourning
Kryvyi Rih’s mayor, Oleksandr Vilkul, took to Telegram early Saturday morning to share the grim update. His message captured the shock and sorrow flooding the community: “A tragic evening and night,” he wrote. “Another bloody crime was committed by the terrorist country. Rocket and massive Shahed attacks on residential areas and playgrounds.”
It’s not the first time Kryvyi Rih has found itself in Russia’s crosshairs. Just earlier this month, four innocent civilians were killed in a taxi parking lot in another missile strike. But Friday’s attack was different—it was bigger, more brutal, and horrifyingly precise.
The Missile That Ripped Through Lives
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the strike involved a ballistic missile armed with a cluster warhead. Cluster munitions are particularly deadly—they’re designed to scatter smaller bomblets over a wide area, increasing the potential for mass casualties. These types of weapons are internationally controversial and widely condemned when used in populated civilian zones.
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Weapon Used: Ballistic missile with cluster warhead
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Casualties: 19 confirmed dead (including 9 children)
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Injured: 72 people, including a 3-month-old baby
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Damaged: Dozens of apartment buildings, six educational institutions, and various businesses
Zelensky’s response came quickly and emotionally during his nightly address. “The missile actually hit the area next to residential buildings—a children’s playground, ordinary streets. Many injured, houses damaged,” he said.
Russia Claims a “Precision Strike” on Military Meeting—But Evidence Suggests Otherwise
The Russian Ministry of Defense offered a very different story. On Telegram, they claimed the attack had been a “high-precision strike” aimed at a meeting between Ukrainian commanders and Western military advisors in a local restaurant. Their statement boldly claimed:
“As a result of the strike, the enemy lost up to 85 servicemen and officers of foreign countries, as well as up to 20 vehicles.”
That version of events, however, appears to clash directly with what Ukrainian officials and local reports are describing—a residential neighborhood turned into rubble, not a military outpost.
CNN has reached out to Ukrainian authorities for more clarity, but so far, no independent verification supports Russia’s claim.
Energy Under Fire: Another Strike Hits Power Plant in Kherson
As if the human toll wasn’t enough, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was also targeted. President Zelensky reported that Russian drones struck a power plant in the southern city of Kherson on the same day.
“These types of strikes aren’t random,” Zelensky emphasized. “The Russians know exactly what they’re hitting. This was a strategic target—an energy facility that’s supposed to be protected under the commitments they made to the U.S.”
Where’s the Peace? Tensions Rise in Stalled Negotiations
Amid the ongoing carnage, political pressure is building on all sides to find a way out of this war. Former President Donald Trump, now spearheading a U.S. push for peace, hasn’t minced words lately. He recently admitted to being “pissed off” during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his proposal for an immediate ceasefire was flatly rejected.
Despite Trump’s claims that Putin is open to negotiations, European and Ukrainian leaders remain skeptical. From their perspective, Russia is stalling intentionally, hoping that prolonged conflict will eventually tilt the battlefield in its favor.
Diplomatic Backchannels in Motion
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been actively engaged in peace efforts. Just this past week, Rubio confirmed he met with a top Russian envoy and delivered a direct message:
“The clock is ticking. It’s time to show real progress.”
Rubio has reportedly made two trips to Saudi Arabia in the last couple of months, acting as a key go-between for U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators. His message was clear—talks about talks are no longer good enough. The time has come for real steps toward resolution.
Ceasefire Complications in the Black Sea
There was a sliver of progress recently. Following a string of meetings in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian and Russian representatives agreed—at least on paper—to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Black Sea. The deal included halting attacks on energy infrastructure and ending the use of force in that strategic maritime zone.
But as soon as there was a breakthrough, new roadblocks appeared.
Russia’s side demanded additional conditions, including the lifting of sanctions on its banks and exports—a condition that many view as a non-starter for Ukraine and its Western allies.
What’s Next for Ukraine and the World?
As the world watches, the people of Kryvyi Rih—and countless other cities across Ukraine—are paying the price for every failed negotiation and every delay in diplomacy. Each missile that falls, each drone that strikes, pushes peace further out of reach.
Still, efforts continue. Quiet diplomacy is happening behind closed doors. Public statements are growing sharper. And with every high-level meeting, there’s hope—however small—that a deal might still be possible.
But for now, the streets of Kryvyi Rih remain scarred. Playgrounds lie in ruin. Parents mourn children who had their entire lives ahead of them. And the world waits for a war without end to finally find its conclusion.
Key Takeaways:
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🇺🇦 19 Killed, 72 Injured: Including nine children and a baby in Kryvyi Rih.
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🏢 Widespread Damage: Residential areas, schools, and businesses hit.
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🔥 Cluster Missiles Used: Significantly more dangerous to civilians.
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💬 Conflicting Narratives: Russia claims military target, Ukraine confirms civilian zone.
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⚡ Energy Under Attack: Kherson power plant struck by Russian drones.
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🕊️ Peace Talks Stalled: U.S. pushing hard, but Russia making new demands.
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⏳ Deadline Looming: U.S. envoys say time is running out for negotiations.
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