On Friday, April 4, the Russian Federation fired an Iskander-M ballistic missile at a residential neighborhood in Kryvyi Rih, killing 18 people, including 9 children. 62 people, including 12 children, sustained injuries of varying severity.

This shelling shocked Ukraine and the world with its particular cruelty, as the Russian ballistic missile, which targeted ordinary residential buildings, playgrounds and other civilian infrastructure, was equipped with a cluster warhead to maximize the number of casualties.

We categorically reject Russia's lies about the alleged military targets of this strike. The facts from the crime scene show that there were no military objectives. Russia's goal was deliberate terror against civilians. This strike is another war crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. 

With this barbaric attack against Ukrainian civilians and children, Russia demonstrates its complete disregard for international peace efforts under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump. This is Moscow's signal to Washington that Putin will continue to wage war and kill Ukrainians until he feels a different level of pressure and force. Ukraine has been and remains committed to peaceful efforts and has taken concrete steps towards peace, unlike Russia, which continues to drag its feet and commit atrocities.

The MFA of Ukraine has already informed all partners and international organizations about the details of the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih on April 4, the type of missile used and the consequences of this crime. 

We call for clear public reactions, condemnation of Russian atrocities, and concrete actions to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine, including bolstering our air defense and providing additional military assistance to protect Ukrainian lives. We are grateful to those of our partners who have already spoken out, clearly condemned the actions of Russian criminals, and are providing concrete assistance.

In addition, the Ukrainian side has already initiated the convening of meetings of a number of international organizations to respond appropriately to the Russian shelling of Kryvyi Rih and the constant shelling of residential areas in other Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine, together with its international partners, continues to document Russian crimes and work to ensure that Russian criminals are brought to justice for all their atrocities against Ukraine and Ukrainians.