On 2 April, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in at least four fatalities and 14 injuries, according to updated reports from regional authorities.
The attack occurred shortly after 17:00 local time, with Ukraine’s Air Force issuing a warning at 17:03 about a high-speed aerial object heading towards the city. Minutes later, an explosion was reported, followed by initial casualty assessments. The missile is believed to have struck an industrial facility, according to Serhiy Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.
Officials later confirmed that the strike caused significant destruction, including fire damage and structural impacts to nearby residential buildings. Photographs released by the State Emergency Service of the Dnipropetrovsk Region show widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including shattered windows in apartment blocks, a damaged gymnasium, and administrative buildings.
Lysak reported that among the injured were a 29-year-old woman and two men, aged 35 and 41, all of whom were hospitalised. As emergency services worked to extinguish the blaze and secure the area, the number of wounded increased. By 19:13, the fire had been brought under control, according to Lysak.
Children were also among those harmed. A six-year-old girl received medical assistance on site, while an eight-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. He is being treated in the trauma department, where medical personnel are continuing efforts to stabilise his condition.
The total number of confirmed injured currently stands at 14.
Alexander Vilkul, Head of the Defence Council of Kryvyi Rih, stated that the missile used in the attack was of a ballistic type, though further technical analysis has not yet been publicly disclosed. He urged residents to remain in shelters until the all-clear was given.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the incident by reiterating Ukraine’s calls for enhanced air defence support. Writing on social media, Zelenskyy stated: “All such Russian strikes demonstrate that Ukraine needs sufficient air defence systems and missiles to protect all people in Ukraine from Russian terror. We are working with all partners to achieve this.”
Kryvyi Rih, located in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in central Ukraine, has been subjected to multiple Russian attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. As a major industrial hub with mining and metallurgical facilities, the city has been frequently targeted.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of missile and drone strikes in recent weeks, with Ukrainian authorities reporting a surge in Russian aerial attacks on civilian infrastructure across multiple regions. While most large cities maintain some level of air defence coverage, officials have consistently reported gaps in protection, particularly against high-speed ballistic threats.
Ukrainian officials have long called for the provision of additional Western-supplied air defence systems, including Patriot and IRIS-T batteries, to reduce civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Kyiv argues that current supplies are insufficient to protect all key urban centres and critical sites across the country.
The United Nations and several humanitarian organisations have consistently raised concerns about the use of ballistic and cruise missiles in populated areas, citing violations of international humanitarian law. Russia has denied targeting civilians, although evidence collected by independent observers and international monitors has documented repeated strikes on non-military targets.
Investigations are likely to follow to determine the specific type of missile used in the Kryvyi Rih attack, as well as the intended target. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has opened a case under the articles related to violations of the laws and customs of war, resulting in death and injury.
Meanwhile, rescue and recovery operations are continuing in Kryvyi Rih, where emergency services remain on high alert amid fears of further attacks.
This strike is among the deadliest single incidents in the Dnipropetrovsk region this year. Local authorities have renewed appeals for residents to heed air raid alerts and shelter warnings as the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation.
Image: State Emergency Service of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
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