Tragic Missile Strike in Kryvyi Rih Claims Lives of 16, Including Children
A Russian missile strike on the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kryvyi Rih, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 individuals, including six children, as reported by Ukrainian authorities on Friday. This devastating incident has left over 50 people injured, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict.
In a poignant address delivered later that evening, President Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families affected by this attack. The missile impacted an area adjacent to residential buildings, striking a children's playground and ordinary streets, causing significant damage to homes in the vicinity.
Footage released shortly after the strike shows the chaotic aftermath of the attack, underscoring the brutality of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to the strike in Kryvyi Rih, Russian forces allegedly targeted a power plant in Kherson using drones on the same day. President Zelensky condemned these attacks, stating, "Such strikes cannot be a coincidence. The Russians know this is an energy facility. These types of facilities must be protected from any attacks as per the promises Russia made to the American side."
The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, refuted these claims, stating that the missile strike aimed at a meeting involving Ukrainian and Western officers. They described it as a high-precision strike, asserting that their attack resulted in the loss of up to 85 servicemen and foreign officers, along with damage to around 20 vehicles.
As this situation evolves, CNN has contacted Ukrainian authorities for additional details. The devastating impact on civilians and critical infrastructure raises serious concerns about the continuation of hostilities and the protection of non-combatants in this ongoing conflict.
This story is developing and updates will follow.
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