A residential neighborhood in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih was targeted by Russian missiles, resulting in the death of at least 14 people, including six children. Over 30 others were injured, with some sustaining critical wounds. Among the injured was a three-month-old baby who suffered lacerations. Residents described the attack as terrifying, with one stating that the windows and balcony of their home were shattered. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, highlighting the need for global pressure on Russia to end the war.
The Kremlin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, praised the Trump administration for acknowledging Russian concerns during talks in Washington. Discussions centered around normalizing Russia-US relations, with a focus on economic and investment questions, including the potential return of US companies to Russia. Dmitriev noted that American companies were interested in reclaiming niches left by European companies. The restoration of direct flights between Russia and the United States was also discussed. Despite being sanctioned by the Biden administration, restrictions were temporarily lifted to allow Dmitriev to travel to Washington for these talks.
Zelenskyy reacted to Dmitriev’s visit to the US, suggesting that the Russian envoy may have been in Washington to discuss how to facilitate the release of Russian frozen assets. The Ukrainian president expressed awareness of the movements of his enemies and noted that the main question was how to withdraw the three hundred billion frozen assets. These discussions between Russian and US officials come about six weeks after high-level direct talks in Saudi Arabia, indicating ongoing efforts to address the conflict between the two nations. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for global cooperation to pressure Russia into seeking a ceasefire.
The head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Serhii Lysak, confirmed the toll of the missile attack in Kryvyi Rih and stated that more than 30 individuals were seeking treatment for injuries sustained during the attack. Residents described the immediate buzz and explosion of the missiles, causing widespread damage to buildings and injuring countless people. Zelenskyy’s denouncement of the attacks highlighted the ongoing violence in the region and the necessity of global pressure to bring an end to the conflict. The president’s call for strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and forces underscores the continued threat posed by Russian aggression.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev’s visit to Washington raised questions about the potential for improved relations between Russia and the US, particularly concerning economic and investment opportunities. The discussions also touched on the restoration of direct flights and the return of American companies to Russia. Zelenskyy’s acknowledgment of Dmitriev’s visit as a possible pathway for discussing the release of frozen Russian assets reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. With ongoing violence in Ukraine and the need for global intervention to address Russian aggression, diplomatic efforts such as these meetings play a crucial role in shaping the future of relations between these nations.
