KYIV — Following the cessation of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, the Russian military launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuring over 30 more.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Zelenskyy described the devastating impact of the attack, stating, “A ballistic missile struck an ordinary hotel” in Kryvyi Rih, a city known for its industriousness in the Dnipropetrovsk region. He lamented, “Unfortunately, four people were killed in this attack.”
Details of the attack
Zelenskyy further noted that prior to the missile strike, a group of volunteers from a humanitarian organization, comprising citizens from Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom, had checked into the hotel. Fortunately, they managed to escape their rooms in time, avoiding the worst of the tragedy.
Beyond the hotel, which was located in a densely populated residential area, the assault led to significant damage across the city. Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul reported that 14 residential buildings, two schools, two kindergartens, a post office, and various business establishments were affected by the airstrike.
Casualties and wider implications
The attack resulted in over 30 injuries, including a 13-year-old girl, with 28 individuals hospitalized. Vilkul mentioned that three of these patients were in extremely serious condition while 11 others were reported to be in serious condition.
As of now, the Russian Defense Ministry has not issued any comments regarding the strike. This escalation follows the recent U.S. decision to halt all military assistance to Ukraine, which included the termination of intelligence sharing aimed at urging Zelenskyy towards negotiations that lack security guarantees from Washington.
The timing of this halt in intelligence sharing is critical, as Moscow intensifies its missile and drone assaults on Ukraine, straining Kyiv’s air defense capabilities. In addition to Kryvyi Rih, Russian forces also targeted regions including Kharkiv, Odesa, and Sumy. The Ukrainian Air Force reported successfully downing 68 out of 112 Russian drones, with no missiles intercepted.
“Every day, Ukrainian families rely on timely, accurate intelligence to protect their lives and their children from relentless Russian missile and drone attacks,” said Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian World Congress advocacy group. “This critical information is not merely strategic support — it is the difference between life and death, providing civilians precious minutes to seek safety underground.”