A devastating Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown in central Ukraine, has resulted in at least 18 confirmed deaths, including nine children. The missile struck a residential area on Friday, marking one of the deadliest attacks in 2025 during the three-year-old war. Local officials reported the tragic loss of life, while regional governor Serhiy Lysak detailed the extensive damage, including shattered residential blocks and fire outbreaks, in a Telegram message.

In addition to the fatalities, more than 30 people, including a three-month-old infant, sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Emergency services reported that the number of wounded continues to climb, with at least 50 individuals affected.

President Zelenskyy addressed the situation, stating that rescue efforts remain underway and urging Western nations to intensify pressure on Moscow. In his nightly video address, he asserted, "All Russian promises end with missiles, drones, bombs, or artillery. Diplomacy means nothing to them."

Russia's defense ministry claimed that the strike targeted a military gathering in Kryvyi Rih. However, the Ukrainian military vehemently refuted this assertion, denouncing it as "false information." The military's general staff stated on Telegram, "The missile struck a residential area with a playground."

Further complicating the situation, the city's military administrator, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported that Russian drones later attacked private homes in the area, igniting fires at four different locations. Vilkul also confirmed the death of an elderly woman in her home and injuries to five other individuals as a result of these drone attacks.