Sat Apr 05 16:38:27 UTC 2025: ## Missile Strike on Kryvyi Rih Kills 18, Including Nine Children
**KYIV, UKRAINE (April 5, 2025)** – A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, April 4th, has resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including nine children, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak. At least 72 more were injured, ranging in age from a three-month-old infant to elderly residents. Approximately half of the injured remain hospitalized, with 17 in critical condition.
The attack, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as targeting a residential area, including a playground, damaged roughly 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational facility, and a restaurant.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility, asserting that the strike targeted a restaurant hosting a meeting between Ukrainian unit commanders and Western instructors, resulting in 85 deaths and the destruction of 20 vehicles. However, this claim has been rejected by the Ukrainian General Staff and could not be independently verified.
A subsequent drone strike on Kryvyi Rih claimed the life of one woman and injured seven others. Zelenskyy blamed the ongoing attacks on Russia’s refusal to end the war and criticized the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for its response, deeming it too weak and lacking direct condemnation of Russia. He specifically pointed to Ambassador Bridget A. Brink’s social media post which omitted mention of Russia as the perpetrator.
Overnight, Russian forces launched 92 drones into Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting 51. Additionally, 31 decoy drones were neutralized. In occupied territory, one person died in Horlivka due to shelling.
The incident has reignited calls for increased international pressure on Moscow and for bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses. The attack underscores the continued humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict.
First Piper 