Ukraine: At Least 9 Killed in Russian Missile Strike on Kryvyi Rih
At least nine people were killed and 29 more were injured after a Russian missile struck a residential building in Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday....
Facts
- At least nine people were killed and 29 more were injured after a Russian missile struck a residential building in Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday.1
- The death toll was confirmed by Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko after rescue work at the apartment block was completed. He added that five children were among the injured.2
- Zelenskyy, for his part, said the attack demonstrated the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses.3
- 'My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,' Zelenskyy said. 'Every day and every hour, Russian terror proves that Ukraine, together with its partners, must strengthen air defense.'3
- Meanwhile, in continuing attacks on Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, Ukraine's military alleged that three Russian missile defense systems in the peninsula were either damaged or destroyed on Wednesday. The allegation was denied by Russian officials who said all missiles headed for Crimea were shot down. Neither side's claims could be independently confirmed.4
- Shortly after the attack, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, said Russia was working to strengthen missile defenses in Crimea, stating that the more advanced S-500 missile defense system was being deployed after the destruction of inferior S-300 and S-400 systems.5
Sources: 1BBC News, 2Al Jazeera, 3The Kyiv Independent (a), 4Reuters and 5The Kyiv Independent (b).
Narratives
- Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by The Kyiv Independent. By deliberately targeting civilians in this residential block, this is yet another example of a Russian war crime perpetrated in Ukraine. It also underscores the need for Ukraine's Western partners to strengthen the country's missile defense systems.
- Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Russia has repeatedly said that it does not target civilians. All strikes are directed at military targets — including military warehouses, fuel depots, and training facilities.
