Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a powerful and emotional statement following a deadly Russian missile strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih, calling for increased international pressure on Russia and denouncing what he described as its deliberate choice to continue killing civilians rather than seeking peace.
“Tragically, three-year-old Tymofii died in the hospital today. Seven-year-old Radyslav. Arina, who will forever be seven as well. Nine-year-old Herman. Fifteen-year-old Danylo. Fifteen-year-old Mykyta. Fifteen-year-old Alina. Kostiantyn, who will forever be sixteen. Nikita – seventeen,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “These are the children killed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih.”
The missile struck a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, destroying homes, a playground, shops, and a restaurant. According to Zelenskyy, the attack killed at least 18 people, including nine children, and injured 62 others—12 of them children. Many remain in critical condition.
As rescue efforts were underway, Russian forces reportedly launched additional drone strikes on the city, killing one more person and injuring seven others.
“There is simply no deeper level of cynicism, vileness, or hatred toward people than what Russia embodies today,” Zelenskyy said.
He urged the international community to respond decisively, criticizing what he called a “surprisingly disappointing” reaction from the US Embassy in Ukraine. “Such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction. They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children,” he said.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for coordinated global action to stop the war: “Yes, the war must end. But to end it, we must not be afraid to call things by their names. We must not be afraid to pressure the one who continues this war… We must pressure Russia – the one choosing to kill children instead of choosing a ceasefire.”
He called for additional sanctions against Moscow and renewed Ukraine’s plea for more advanced air defense systems, including US-made Patriots, to protect civilians from further missile and drone attacks.
“We count on our agreements with the President of the United States, who promised to help find more Patriots,” Zelenskyy said. “Only through strength and coordinated action with partners can we stop the killing, save the lives of children, and establish lasting peace.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the nations that have supported Ukraine and mourning the lives lost to Russian aggression. “Eternal memory to all our people whose lives were taken by Russian strikes.”
