A Russian missile strike has devastated the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 50 others, according to Ukrainian officials. Among the dead were six children in what local authorities described as an “assault against civilians”.

The attack targeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown in the Dnipropetrovsk region, damaging at least five residential buildings. Rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency workers search through the rubble.

“A Russian missile on an ordinary city. Just on a street. In an area with residential buildings,” President Zelensky wrote on Telegram following the attack. He directly connected the ongoing strikes to Russia’s unwillingness to pursue peace, stating: “Every missile, every drone strike proves Russia wants only war”.

Recent Attacks and International Response

This deadly strike follows a drone attack late Thursday, 2nd of April on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which killed five civilians and wounded 32 others. Emergency crews were seen carrying body bags from burning apartment buildings as distraught residents watched in horror.

The attacks come amid diplomatic efforts by Western nations to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire proposal. The United States had put forward a plan for a full 30-day halt to fighting, which Russia has effectively rejected. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately stalling peace negotiations.

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“Our judgment is that Putin continues to obfuscate, continues to drag his feet,” Lammy told reporters at NATO headquarters. His French counterpart added that “Russia has been flip-flopping, continuing its strikes on energy infrastructure, continuing its war crimes”.

Strategic Context and Outlook

Western intelligence assessments suggest Russia may be deliberate in its approach to negotiations as its forces currently have momentum on the battlefield. A US intelligence report released last month noted that “positive battlefield trends allow for some strategic patience” from Moscow.

President Zelensky has called on Ukraine’s allies to increase pressure on Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses in response to the continued attacks. “The United States, Europe and the rest of the world have enough power to make Russia abandon terror and war,” he urged.

Meanwhile, Putin recently ordered a military draft of 160,000 conscripts for one-year tours of compulsory service, signaling Russia’s preparation for continued military operations.