**Deadly Russian Missile Attack on Ukrainian City: At Least 18 Killed**
A devastating Russian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has left a trail of death and destruction, with at least 18 people killed, including nine children. The attack, which occurred early on Friday evening, also injured dozens more.
**Chilling Images Emerge from the Scene**
Graphic images have emerged showing victims lying in a playground, while a video showed a large section of a 10-storey block of flats destroyed and casualties scattered across the road. The harrowing scenes have sparked outrage and condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international leaders alike.
**Russia‘s Claims Refuted by Ukraine**
In an attempt to justify the attack, Russia’s defence ministry claimed that a “high-precision missile strike” had targeted a meeting of “unit commanders and Western instructors” in a restaurant, killing up to 85 people. However, this claim was quickly debunked by Ukraine’s military, who accused Moscow of spreading false information to cover up its “cynical crime”. Ukrainian officials alleged that Russia fired an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead to maximise casualties.
**A City Under Siege**
Kryvyi Rih has been under attack since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and this latest strike is among the deadliest on the city. As the world watches, US President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire, but it seems that Russia is reluctant to accept this option.
**Leaders Condemn Russia**
The UK and France have accused Russia of dragging its feet on the Ukraine peace deal, with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy stating that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “could accept a ceasefire now, [but] he continues to bombard Ukraine, its civilian population”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also expressed frustration, saying that Russia knew America’s position and must decide whether they are serious about proceeding with real peace or using delay tactics.
**A City Reeling**
Kryvyi Rih, a city of 600,000 people, is renowned for being the longest city in Europe. The latest attack has left its residents reeling, with many still trying to come to terms with the devastating loss of life and destruction caused by this brutal assault.