The number of casualties from a Russian missile attack on the heartland Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has increased to 18, with nine of them being children, as reported by local authorities.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hailing from Kryvyi Rih, stated that the youngest victim of Friday’s attack was only three years old.

At least 72 people sustained injuries in the incident, including a three-month-old infant, which officials describe as a ballistic missile strike. As per Regional Governor Serhii Lysak, approximately half of those affected are still hospitalized and undergoing care, with 17 individuals remaining in serious condition.

Oleksandr Vilkul, who leads the city’s defense council, stated, “There can never be any forgiveness for this.”

The local administration reported that the strike affected approximately 20 apartment complexes, around three dozen cars, an educational institution, and a dining establishment. According to officials, the missile hit a civilian area.

Kryvyi Rih boasts a population of around 600,000 people and is situated roughly 70 kilometers away from the frontline in the east.

“The missile hit a location very close to residential areas, striking a playground and regular city streets,” stated Zelenskyy on his official Telegram channel.

The Russian Defense Ministry claims they conducted a “precise missile attack” using an explosives-filled warhead against a restaurant hosting a gathering with battalion leaders and Western advisors.

The Kremlin states that the assault resulted in the deaths of 85 military personnel and foreign officers, along with the destruction of 20 military-purpose vehicles. Kiev dismisses these assertions and alleges that Russia intentionally targeted civilian areas.

Russian attacks continue to hit Ukrainian cities every day. Kyiv reports that nearly 100 drones were launched at Ukraine overnight, with 51 of them being intercepted by air defenses.

Zelenskyy asserts that Russia’s persistent assault demonstrates its reluctance to cease hostilities, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying negotiations without genuine intentions for peace. This comes as the United States continues its attempts to mediate a ceasefire and resolve the conflict, which has now exceeded three years.

The head of Ukraine appealed to allied nations to increase the pressure on Moscow so they would consent to a peace agreement. Additionally, he requested further assistance for his country to strengthen its air defenses, aiming to improve their capability to counter Russian airborne assaults effectively.

Zelenskyy additionally took issue with Washington’s reaction to the assault on his home city. On Friday, US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget A Brink, expressed her shock over the incident via a social media post.

“Over 50 individuals were wounded and 16 lost their lives, among them six children. This is precisely why the conflict needs to be brought to an end,” the message stated.

Zelenskyy, who has thus far experienced tension with U.S. President Donald Trump, responded to the Ambassador’s remarks by expressing that it was “disappointingly unexpected” not to identify Russia as the instigator of the assault.

“A nation so robust and resilient yet responding with such weakness — they hesitate to utter the term ‘Russian’ when discussing the missile strike that claimed innocent young lives,” stated Zelenskyy.

“Yes, the war needs to come to an end. However, to bring this about, we should not shy away from calling things by their proper names,” stated the President of Ukraine.

Kiev was hit early Sunday morning.

During an unrelated assault on Saturday evening transitioning into Sunday, one individual lost their life in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital city, with another three sustaining injuries.

The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, stated that an airstrike occurred in the Darnytskyi district, resulting in multiple fires breaking out and causing destruction to vehicles and structures.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that a total of 23 missiles and 109 attack and decoy drones were launched at multiple locations across Ukraine throughout the night. Out of these, 13 missiles and 40 drones were intercepted. Additionally, 53 decoys were neutralized through electronic warfare techniques and failed to reach their intended targets.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that their forces had taken down 11 Ukrainian drones, with eight being shot down over the Rostov area and two over Kursk.