Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on the attack in Krivoy Rog: Russia's goal was targeted terror against civilians

This was reported in a press release from the ministry, which Ukrinform has reviewed.

“With this barbaric attack on Ukrainian citizens and children, Russia demonstrates its complete disregard for international peacekeeping efforts led by US President Donald Trump. This is Moscow's signal to Washington that Putin will continue to wage war and kill Ukrainians until he feels another level of pressure and force,” the statement said.

The Ministry stressed that Ukraine was and remains committed to peace initiatives and has taken concrete steps to achieve peace, unlike Russia, which continues to delay the process and commit atrocities.

It has strongly rejected Russia's false claims about the alleged military objectives of the strike.

“Data from the scene indicate that there were no military facilities. Russia's goal was deliberate terror against the civilian population. This strike is another act of war crime and a gross violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement emphasizes.

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The ministry added that it had already informed all partners and international organizations about the details of the Russian attack on Krivoy Rog on April 4, the type of missile used and the consequences of this crime. It called for a clear public reaction, condemnation of Russian atrocities and concrete actions to increase pressure on Moscow and support Ukraine, including strengthening Ukraine's air defense and providing additional military assistance to protect Ukrainian lives.

“We are grateful to those of our partners who have already spoken out, unequivocally condemned the actions of Russian criminals and are providing concrete assistance,” the ministry noted.

Moreover, Ukraine has already initiated the convening of meetings of a number of international organizations to adequately respond to Russian shelling of Krivoy Rog and constant attacks on residential areas of other Ukrainian cities.

“Ukraine, together with its international partners, continues to document Russian crimes and works to ensure that Russian criminals are held accountable for all their atrocities against Ukraine and Ukrainians,” the statement said.

On April 4, Russia launched a ballistic missile at a residential area in Krivoy Rog, killing 19 people and injuring 68. Later that evening, the city was also hit by drones, killing one more person and injuring seven. Currently, 38 victims of the missile strike remain in hospital.

There are children among the dead and injured. April 7, 8 and 9 have been declared days of mourning in Krivoy Rog.