Russian Air Strike on Kryvyi Rih: At Least Four Killed

Latest Developments and Timeline

On January 17, 2025, the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih was hit by a Russian missile strike, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring several others, as the death toll continued to rise in the following hours. This attack is the latest in a series of escalating conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, marking a grim continuation of the ongoing war.

The Attack on Kryvyi Rih

The Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih occurred after Ukrainian forces were reported to have launched actions against Russian targets, which Russia claimed as a reason for their retaliatory strike. The Ukrainian Air Force had warned of a ballistic threat and detected a high-speed target heading toward the city, prompting an air alert in the region. The alert was declared in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as well as in other eastern and southern regions, at 12:11 p.m.[2].

The military reported high-speed targets heading towards Kryvyi Rih, followed by a series of explosions in the city. According to Serhii Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, an educational institution and residential buildings were damaged as a result of the Russian attack. Lysak emphasized that as of 12:45 p.m., the airstrike in the Dnipropetrovsk region was still ongoing and urged everyone to stay in safe places[2].

Initial Reports and Casualties

Initial reports indicated that at least three people were killed and several more were injured. The number of dead later increased to four, with three women and one man among the fatalities. Civilians who were in the courtyard of a five-story building were among those who died. The number of injured also increased, with 14 people, including four children, receiving medical assistance. Five of the injured were taken to hospital, while the rest were treated by emergency responders at the scene[4].

Updated Casualty Figures

As of the latest reports, the death toll has risen to five. A woman who was injured in the missile strike earlier died in the hospital, adding to the tragic tally. Serhii Lysak expressed his deepest condolences to all who lost their loved ones in the attack[1].

Key Facts and Figures

Casualties: At least five people were killed, and 14 others were wounded in the attack. Among the injured, five were hospitalized in serious condition[1][4].
Damage: The attack partially destroyed an educational facility and damaged several residential buildings, including four high-rise buildings and 17 houses. Nearly 10 cars were also damaged, and two multistory buildings were affected, with one catching fire[4].
Location: Kryvyi Rih, which is President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown and the second-largest city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, has a population of approximately 660,000[4].

Expert Reactions and Analysis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

President Zelensky condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia will only be stopped through joint global pressure. He highlighted that the attack was conducted using ballistic missiles and underscored the continued threat posed by Russia's weaponry.

"Every day, our cities and villages suffer similar strikes. Every day, Ukraine loses people to Russian evil," Zelensky wrote. "There can be no pause, not for a day, a week, let alone a month, in support for simply defending lives, for saving people from terror."[1]

Zelensky also stressed the importance of air defense systems, noting that if Ukraine had been provided with the necessary air defense systems, the missile that hit Kryvyi Rih would have been intercepted.

"Such strikes and such losses would no longer occur if we had received all the necessary air defence systems, which we have been discussing with partners for so long and which are available worldwide," he said in his nightly video address[4].

Local Authorities

Governor Serhiy Lysak reported the details of the attack and urged residents to stay in shelters until the air alert was lifted. He also mentioned that local authorities were assessing the full scope of casualties and damage. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city's Defense Council, provided additional details on the victims and the extent of the injuries[2].

Global or Local Impact

Humanitarian Impact

The attack has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with continuous targeting of civilian infrastructure. This has led to displacement and suffering for the local population. Personal accounts of residents who have lost family members and homes in previous attacks underscore the dire situation.

"These coordinated attacks are systematically crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, depriving civilians of electricity, heating, and water as winter sets in," said Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. "Deliberately attacking civilians objects and destroying infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population are war crimes."[2]

International Condemnation

The attack is likely to draw international condemnation, given the targeting of civilian areas and the ongoing nature of such attacks. This could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Russia and potential further sanctions or support for Ukraine.

Ongoing Conflict

The attack is part of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has seen repeated missile strikes and bombardments of Ukrainian cities since late April 2022. Kryvyi Rih has been a frequent target due to its strategic location and its status as Zelensky's hometown.

Previous Attacks

Similar attacks have occurred in the past, such as the December 24, 2024, strike on Kryvyi Rih, which destroyed the entrance of a residential building and damaged several other buildings, shops, restaurants, and cars. A 43-year-old man was killed in that shelling, and 17 people were injured, including two teenagers[2].

On January 9, 2025, Russian troops attacked Kryvyi Rih with three Iskander-K cruise missiles, but air defense forces managed to shoot down all the missiles. Despite these defensive successes, the city remains a vulnerable target due to its strategic importance[2].

Retaliatory Actions

The cycle of retaliatory strikes continues to escalate the conflict. Ukrainian forces have been conducting cross-border drone and missile attacks on Russian territory, targeting military sites and energy installations. In response, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, leading to widespread damage and humanitarian crises[4].

Future Implications

Escalation of Conflict

The continued targeting of civilian areas by Russian forces could lead to further escalation of the conflict, potentially drawing in more international actors and increasing the severity of the humanitarian crisis. The cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation shows no signs of abating, suggesting a prolonged and intensified conflict.

Military and Diplomatic Responses

Ukraine and its allies may respond with increased military actions and diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia. This could include more robust air defense systems and intensified international pressure to cease hostilities. The international community may need to take more decisive steps to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs and ensure accountability for those suspected of responsibility for crimes under international law[2].

Humanitarian Aid

The ongoing attacks highlight the need for sustained humanitarian aid to support affected populations in Ukraine. International organizations and governments may need to ramp up their relief efforts to address the growing needs, particularly as winter sets in and the energy infrastructure remains severely damaged.

Additional Context

Strategic Significance

Kryvyi Rih's location, about 70 kilometers northwest of the nearest front-line zone, makes it a significant target for Russian forces aiming to disrupt Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure. The city's importance as a major urban center and its connection to President Zelensky add to its strategic value[4].

Psychological Impact

The repeated attacks on Kryvyi Rih and other Ukrainian cities are intended to suppress resistance and create fear among the population. This strategy could have long-term psychological and social impacts on the affected communities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis beyond the immediate physical damage.

Local and Community Response

In the aftermath of the attack, the city of Kryvyi Rih declared a day of mourning on January 20 to honor the victims. This gesture reflects the community's resilience and solidarity in the face of ongoing violence.

International Diplomatic Efforts

The attack comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, with significant diplomatic activities underway. President Zelensky has been engaging in a flurry of diplomatic meetings with heads of government and defense ministers to discuss continued military support for Ukraine's war effort. These efforts are particularly relevant as the international community prepares for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose stance on Ukraine has been a subject of concern[4].

Conclusion

The recent Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih is a stark reminder of the ongoing and escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The targeting of civilian areas and critical infrastructure has severe humanitarian implications, and the cycle of retaliatory actions threatens to further destabilize the region.

As the international community grapples with how to respond, it is clear that sustained support for Ukraine, both militarily and diplomatically, is crucial. The need for humanitarian aid is pressing, and ensuring accountability for war crimes is essential to bringing an end to this devastating conflict.

In the words of President Zelensky, "There can be no pause" in the support for defending lives and saving people from terror. The world must remain vigilant and committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, working towards a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its people.

The international community's response will be critical in the coming days and weeks. Increased diplomatic pressure, robust military support, and sustained humanitarian aid are all necessary components of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the suffering and bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the global community must stand united in its commitment to protecting human life and upholding international law.