Russia strikes Zelenskyy’s hometown, 14 dead; Ukrainian president says ‘Moscow doesn’t want ceasefire’ – The Times of India

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said that a strike on his home city of Kryvyi Rig, which killed 14 people, showed that Russia did not want a ceasefire and added that every attack drone proves that Moscow seeks only war.
Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration, said that more than 50 people were injured in the evening attack.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world have the capacity to force Russia to abandon terror and war.
“A Russian missile struck an ordinary city, directly hitting a street in an area with residential buildings. 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. Russian strikes occur every day,” Zelenskyy said.
” 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 defense, 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,” he added.
A distant, unconfirmed social media footage captured smoke billowing upwards against the darkening sky.
Located in central Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, Kryvyi Rig sits approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the battle lines, yet faces consistent attacks from Russian missiles and drones.
On Wednesday, the city endured a Russian ballistic strike that resulted in four fatalities and left more than a dozen people injured.
These attacks occur whilst the US Trump administration seeks to expedite the conclusion of this conflict, which has lasted over three years, through diplomatic discussions with both Ukrainian and Russian parties.
Russia has dismissed a combined US-Ukrainian suggestion for a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities, whilst Ukraine contends that Russia is deliberately prolonging negotiations without any genuine intent to halt military operations.