Deadly Strike Hits Zelenskiy’s Hometown: On April 4, 2025, a deadly Russian missile strike hit the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 19 people, including nine children, and injuring over 50 others. The city, which is also President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s hometown, was left reeling after residential areas were reduced to rubble.
Russia Claims Military Target, Ukraine Calls It “Misinformation”
While Ukraine insists the strike hit civilian homes and infrastructure, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it was a “high-precision” attack on a gathering of Ukrainian commanders and Western military instructors. Russia stated the strike allegedly killed up to 85 personnel and destroyed 20 military vehicles.
However, Ukraine’s military dismissed this as false information, saying it was yet another attempt by Russia to justify attacks on civilians.
Tragedy Among Children, Heartbreaking Scenes Reported
Emergency responders and locals described devastating scenes in Kryvyi Rih:
“There were dead children lying there, crying parents, it was horrible,”
— said Yulia, 47, a resident whose home was damaged.
Read Also: Russia Ignores Ceasefire for 22 Days, Shows No Intent for Peace – UK Tells OSCE
Photos showed lifeless bodies on the sidewalks, burning buildings, and people using flashlights and mobile phones to register at help centers or repair damaged homes.
A separate drone attack later in the evening killed one more person, bringing the death toll to 19.
Casualties Mount: Dozens in Hospital, Including a Baby
According to emergency services and regional governor Serhiy Lysak, more than 30 people remain hospitalized, including a three-month-old baby. Authorities warned the number of casualties may rise further as rescue operations continue.
Ceasefire in Question: Each Side Blames the Other
This strike comes days after the U.S. brokered partial ceasefire agreements aimed at reducing attacks on energy infrastructure. But both sides now accuse each other of breaking the deal.
- Russia accused Ukraine of striking energy facilities six times in 24 hours.
- Ukraine claimed a Russian drone attack targeted a thermal power plant in Kherson on Friday.
Zelenskiy Calls for Stronger Western Action
In his nightly address, President Zelenskiy urged Western nations to increase pressure on Russia, stating that the attack is proof that:
“Russia is not seeking peace, but destruction.”
Read Also: NATO Leader to Russia: ‘No More Excuses’ Act Fast and End the Ukraine War
Global Reactions and the Path Ahead
This deadly strike in Kryvyi Rih may become a turning point in international efforts to pressure Russia. As NATO leaders and the U.S. continue to push for a peace resolution, the urgency for action increases with each civilian casualty.
