Ukraine LIVE: Zelensky says Russian missile which killed 18 proves Putin ‘wants only war'

6 mins ago10:48 Ciaran McGrath

The death toll from a Russian missile strike in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih currently stands at 18, including nine children, regional governor Serhii Lysak has said.

A further 61 people were injured in Friday’s attack, ranging from a 3-month-old baby to elderly residents. Forty remain hospitalised, including two children in critical condition and 17 in serious condition.

Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s defence council, said:“There can never be forgiveness for this. Eternal memory to the victims."

Local authorities said the strike damaged about 20 apartment buildings, more than 30 vehicles, an educational building and a restaurant.

1 hour ago09:43 Ciaran McGrath

A three-year-old boy was killed in a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih while walking home from the playground with his grandmother.

Posting on X, former Ukrainian interior ministry advisor Anton Geraschenko said: "The boy in this video is Tymofii, 3 years and 9 months old.

"He didn't survive... His mom Valeriia shared that Tymofii was returning home from the playground with his grandma when Russia launched the missile. Mom ran to them.

"Valeriia says Tymofii loved space and rockets. Deepest condolences to the family."

The boy was named by multiple other sources as one of the victims.

2 hours ago09:01 Ciaran McGrath

Ukrainian resistance forces torched a Russian freight train locomotive near Ermolino station on April 4, halting rail traffic for three hours, an adviser to the Mayor of Mariupol has said.

The attack took place on the Yaroslavl–Ivanovo-Sortuvalnaya route and left the diesel engine beyond repair.

Petro Andryushchenko, an adviser to the Mayor of Mariupol, described it as a “successful operation” by the Resistance Movement.

The sabotage marks another blow to Russian logistics as Ukraine intensifies pressure behind enemy lines.

2 hours ago08:55 Ciaran McGrath

Vladimir Putin is facing "significant" military challenges that could seriously compromise Russia's ability to wage its war in Ukraine", experts have said. An Annual Threat Assessment by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) concluded that Russia has suffered "significant casualties" in Ukraine and that it must "contend with the poor quality of its new recruits". US European Command Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, also stated yesterday that Putin's forces have lost more than 4,000 tanks, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in its daily report on the conflict.

Cavoli also detailed that Russia started the war with a total of 13,000 tanks, and are now "starting to approach near the end" of the viable tanks in storage. The general then noted that Russia has expanded its capability to produce shells, cruise missiles, and first-person view (FPV) drones, adding that it is preparing either to continue offensive operations in Ukraine or to launch a future campaign against a NATO member state.

2 hours ago08:40 Ciaran McGrath

Russia's ailing economy suffered yet another devastating blow, with several billionaires moving their money out of the country amid Moscow's devastating invasion of Ukraine.

According to Forbes' latest list of the wealthiest billionaires, 24 Russians have ditched the Russian flag and instead presented as citizens of other European and Asian nations.

In total, the Russian billionaires took a combined $110billion (£85billion) in wealth out of the country.

Kyrylo Shevchenko, former Chief of the National Bank of Ukraine, highlighted this on X.

3 hours ago08:07 Ciaran McGrath

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered the Security Service of Ukraine to investigate the leak of a confidential US proposal concerning access to the country’s rare earth minerals, according to the Financial Times.

The proposal reportedly outlined terms under which the United States would secure rights to exploit key mineral deposits as part of broader economic cooperation.

The unauthorised disclosure has triggered concern in Kyiv over potential risks to national security and diplomatic relations.

Talks over the minerals deal have been ongoing for months, with Ukrainian officials previously voicing reservations about sovereignty and security guarantees.

3 hours ago07:29 Ciaran McGrath

Russian forces shelled more than 30 towns and villages across the Kherson region over the past 24 hours, claimed regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

Five people were injured and widespread damage was reported to residential areas, including five apartment blocks and nine private homes.

A shop and several civilian vehicles were also hit.

Ukraine’s air defence shot down three Shahed drones during a night-time attack.

3 hours ago07:26 Ciaran McGrath

In a statement shared on X, the Ukrainian Emergency Service said: "Kryvyi Rih: as of 00:05 on April 5, 18 people, including 9 children, were killed in a Russian missile strike.

"Another 56 people, including 10 children, were injured.

Emergency rescue operations and assistance to the victims are ongoing.'

Ukraine: Russian missile strike hits Kryvyi Rih

4 hours ago07:17 Ciaran McGrath

After the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed that the attack targeted a gathering of Ukrainian commanders and Western instructors, resulting in the deaths of 85 military personnel and the destruction of up to 20 vehicles.

Ukrainian officials, however, have refuted this claim, insisting that the missile struck a residential area,

4 hours ago07:16 Ciaran McGrath

The attack followed a drone strike late Thursday on Kharkiv, which killed five civilians and injured dozens.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia had launched 78 drones in a combined attack overnight. Civilian infrastructure in three other regions was also targeted.

Moscow has previously said it only targets military infrastructure. But Western officials have repeatedly accused Russia of deliberately striking civilian areas.

The Kremlin has not issued an updated statement since the attack.

In past remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has insisted Russian forces avoid civilian targets — a claim flatly contradicted by the images from Kryvyi Rih.

4 hours ago07:13 Ciaran McGrath

Mr Zelensky continued: “Russian strikes occur every day. People die every day. There is only one reason why this continues: Russia doesn't want a ceasefire, and we see it. The whole world sees it. Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war.

“And only the world's pressure on Russia, all efforts to strengthen Ukraine, our air defence, and our forces—can determine when the war will end.

“The United States, Europe, and the rest of the world have the capacity to force Russia to abandon terror and war. And this must be ensured—peace is needed.”

Regional governor Serhii Lysak said more than 50 people were injured. The missile reportedly damaged 20 apartment buildings, more than 30 vehicles, a restaurant and an educational facility. Psychologists were dispatched to assist survivors.

A rescue worker speaks with residents in Kryvyi Rhi (Image: AP)

4 hours ago07:04 Ciaran McGrath

A ballistic missile struck a residential district in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, on Friday, killing 14 people — including six children — and reducing a children’s playground to what one Ukrainian MP called “a graveyard.”

Footage shared online showed bloodied pavements, mangled vehicles, and grieving parents standing over the body of a teenage boy.

Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun posted images from the scene on X, writing: “Kryvyi Rih has been under relentless Russian attacks all week.

"Today, a ballistic missile struck a residential neighborhood. 14 dead, including 6 children. Russia is a terrorist state.”

Mr Zelensky said the missile hit “an ordinary city,” adding: “Preliminary reports suggest it was a ballistic missile strike. As of now, 14 fatalities have been confirmed, including six children.

"My condolences to their families and loved ones. The rescue operation is ongoing, at least five residential buildings have been damaged.