Russian Missile Strikes Hit President Zelenskyy’s Hometown, Killing Six
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rihon in Ukraine was hit by Russian ballistic missile strikes on Monday, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuring 75 others. The devastating blasts destroyed an apartment complex and part of a university building, trapping residents beneath the rubble.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that one of the missiles obliterated part of an apartment building between the fourth and ninth floors. Videos captured the aftermath, showing black smoke billowing from corner units and burned-out cars on the streets. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl and her mother, as confirmed by President Zelenskyy. A rescue operation involving more than 350 individuals was launched immediately.
The attack on Zelenskyy’s hometown occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president warned that the conflict was encroaching on Russian land. Zelenskyy stated in a video address that “the war is returning to the territory of Russia.” It remains uncertain whether the missile strikes were a direct response to his remarks.
In retaliation, Ukrainian artillery targeted the partially occupied Donetsk province, killing two people and injuring six others in the regional capital. The Moscow-installed leader of the annexed province, Denis Pushilin, claimed that a bus was also hit during the shelling.
This recent escalation coincides with an intensified Ukrainian counteroffensive, supported by weaponry supplied by Western allies. Ukraine aims to drive Russian forces out of occupied areas while simultaneously undertaking drone strikes on targets deep within Russia, including Moscow and Crimea.
In response to Ukraine’s drone attack near the Kremlin, Russia has heightened its security measures. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov referred to the assault as an “act of desperation” from the “difficult” situation faced by the Kyiv regime. Peskov further commented on the purported inefficiency of the resources provided by NATO countries to Ukraine, expressing concern among Western taxpayers.
Ukrainian drones also targeted a district police department in Russia’s Bryansk region, resulting in no casualties but further exacerbating tensions in the border area. Moscow’s military strategy throughout the war has involved bombarding populated areas with missiles, artillery, and drones. Russia claims to only target military facilities, while Ukraine and its supporters argue that mass civilian casualties constitute war crimes.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed on Monday that Russian forces have heightened their attacks on Ukrainian military facilities, although it remains unclear which specific locations were targeted. Russia’s recent missile strikes have predominantly hit civilian infrastructure and economic targets.
Beyond the direct consequences of the ongoing conflict, repercussions have emerged on the diplomatic stage. China, while claiming neutrality in the war, introduced restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones, citing concerns over potential military use. Reports have surfaced suggesting that both sides in the conflict have utilized Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and potential attacks.
Additionally, Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that his Wagner Group is currently not recruiting fighters. Prigozhin previously lost over 20,000 men during the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Russian authorities asserted their control over Prigozhin by mandating that Wagner fighters can only return to Ukraine if they join Russia’s regular army.
As the war in Ukraine continues, these recent escalations underscore the grave toll on both civilian lives and international relations.