INTERNATIONAL: Deadly Russian Strike Rocks Zelensky’s Hometown
Missile Attack Claims 19 Lives
A devastating Russian missile strike hit Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Friday, killing at least 19 people, including nine children.
Described as one of the deadliest attacks this year, it left 72 injured, among them a three-month-old infant. Oleksandr Vilkul, the city’s mayor, reported extensive damage to residential buildings, schools, and businesses, labeling it a “tragic evening and night.”
Cluster Warhead Targets Civilians
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the use of a ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, designed to maximize casualties over a wide area. The strike targeted a residential zone near a playground, intensifying the horror of the assault. Kryvyi Rih has faced repeated Russian attacks recently, including a strike earlier this month that killed four civilians in a taxi lot.
Zelensky Slams Weak U.S. Response
Zelensky expressed outrage at the U.S. Embassy’s reaction, particularly Ambassador Bridget Brink’s statement, which avoided naming Russia explicitly. He called it “unpleasantly surprising” from a powerful nation, urging stronger condemnation of the attack that claimed children’s lives. In his address, he offered condolences and highlighted the deliberate targeting of civilian areas.
Russia Claims Military Target
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strike was a “high-precision” hit on a restaurant hosting Ukrainian and Western military officers, alleging 85 casualties. Ukrainian authorities dismissed this as false, asserting the missile struck a civilian neighborhood. CNN has sought further clarification from Ukrainian officials on these conflicting narratives.
Peace Talks Falter Amid Violence
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for peace, negotiations to end the three-year war remain stalled. Trump, frustrated after a call with Vladimir Putin, who rejected an immediate ceasefire, sees Russia stalling for battlefield leverage. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting a Putin envoy, warned that time is running out for a breakthrough.
Black Sea Deal Faces Setbacks
Last week, a U.S.-brokered deal paused hostilities in the Black Sea and attacks on energy infrastructure, but Russia added conditions like lifting sanctions, complicating progress. Zelensky accused Russia of violating this agreement by targeting a Kherson power plant on Friday. European allies echo concerns that Putin is prolonging the conflict strategically.