Russia’s ballistic missile attack kills 19, including nine children, in Kryvyi Rih

At 01:36 a.m., Serhii Lysak, reported that the number of injured had risen to 61 as a result of the Russian missile attack. Among them are 12 children.

"Forty city residents are in hospitals. The rest are under outpatient care," he added.

At 9:48 p.m., the Regional Military Administration said that more than 40 people were injured in Kryvyi Rih.  Later, they reported 16 dead, 6 of them children.

As of 9:01 p.m., President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 14 people were killed in the Russian attack, including 6 children.

“There are many victims. The houses are damaged. The missile actually hit the area next to residential buildings: a playground, ordinary streets. These are just non-humans, bastards — everyone who can do this. There is no normal word for these Russian scums,” he said.

The rescue operation is currently underway. At 8:58 p.m., Vilkul said that 34 wounded are fighting for their lives in the city's hospitals. The head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, Serhiy Lysak, said that twenty high-rise buildings, more than thirty cars, educational and dining facilities were destroyed.

Olha Honchar, a correspondent from Kryvyi Rih, said: “This is a very populated residential area. The strike hit a civilian facility. I can't say for sure, maybe there were two strikes, because I was a few blocks away. I saw how women reacted to the information about the deaths of their loved ones. Now the building is still burning. All services are working. There was a threat of repeated strikes, people were leaving and then returning.”

At 8:06 p.m., President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 14 dead, including 6 children.

"Russian strikes occur every day. People die every day. There is only one reason why this continues: Russia doesn't want a ceasefire, and we see it. The whole world sees it. Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war. And only the world's pressure on Russia, all efforts to strengthen Ukraine, our air defense, and our forces—can determine when the war will end," Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel.

He added that the rescue operation is ongoing. At least 5 residential buildings were damaged. 

World reaction

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink responded to the strike but did not specify who carried out the attack.

“It’s horrifying that a ballistic missile hit near a children’s playground and a restaurant in Kryvyi Rih this evening. Over 50 injured and 16 dead, including 6 children. This is why this war must end,” she wrote.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans posted photos of the aftermath of the Russian attack on social media platform X.

“All of Europe is preparing for the weekend, but Ukrainians live in a different reality. A ballistic missile just struck a residential area in Kryvyi Rih. 14 dead, including six children. Another Russian attack, but you never get used to this. That’s why we must accelerate support for Ukraine,” he commented.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas emphasized that the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih shows that Russia is not interested in peace.

“Tragic and inhumane images are coming from Kryvyi Rih. Yet another reckless Russian strike hit a densely populated residential area, reportedly killing at least 14 people, including 6 children. Russia continues to destroy Ukraine and has no interest in peace,” she wrote.

The Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the Russian strike. It stressed that civilians should never be targeted.

The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine said it was shocked by the attack.

“We are appalled by the news of a brutal Russian assault on a residential district in Kryvyi Rih, which led to the deaths of many civilians, including children. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement said.