At least 16 people, including six children, were killed in a Russian missile strike on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown, Kryvyi Rih, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which left at least 50 people wounded, was followed by a wave of drone strikes later in the day, further escalating tensions.
Ukraine’s President condemned the strike, stating that Russia “does not want a ceasefire.” He emphasized that “every missile, every drone attack proves that Russia only wants war.” He urged international support to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, stressing that global pressure on Russia is key to determining when the war will end.
Regional governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed that more than 30 of the wounded, including a three-month-old baby, were hospitalized. Local authorities reported significant damage, with 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational facility, and a restaurant impacted. Emergency responders were on-site, while psychologists provided support to survivors.
The Russian defense ministry described the strike as a “high-precision” operation, claiming it targeted “a meeting of unit commanders and Western instructors” at a restaurant in the city. The ministry further alleged that the attack resulted in the deaths of up to 85 Ukrainian and foreign military personnel, along with the destruction of 20 vehicles.
Later on Friday, Kryvyi Rih came under a “massive” drone attack, according to local military official Oleksandr Vilkul. He reported multiple fires at different sites following impacts from Shahed drones, a type of Iranian-designed unmanned aerial weapon.
The escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. In Brussels, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington is “not interested in negotiations about negotiations” and signaled that time is running out for Russia to demonstrate genuine intent toward peace.
“In the end, it will be clear whether Russia wants peace or not—and that time is approaching fast,” Rubio said during a NATO meeting.
The United States had previously brokered a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine in March, followed by limited agreements over energy infrastructure. However, both Ukraine and Russia have since accused each other of violating these agreements.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for “dragging his feet” on ceasefire talks while continuing to target Ukrainian civilians and energy supplies. “We see you, Vladimir Putin. We know what you are doing,” Lammy said, reaffirming Western opposition to Russian aggression.
