Zelenskyy blames Putin for rejecting ceasefire after 16 killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih

ANI April 5, 2025 167 views

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russian missile strikes that killed 16 civilians, including six children, in Kryvyi Rih. He directly blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for rejecting potential ceasefire negotiations and continuing aggressive military actions. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's repeated attacks demonstrate a complete disregard for diplomatic efforts and civilian lives. Recent US-mediated talks in Riyadh aim to explore potential pathways to peace, though progress remains challenging with Putin's uncompromising stance.

"Every Russian promise ends with missiles or drones, bombs or artillery. Diplomacy means nothing to them." - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Kyiv, April 5: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday confirmed that the death toll from recent Russian strikes has reached 16 in Kryvyi Rih, including six children, while five others were killed in Kharkiv following a targeted drone attack.

Key Points

1

Russian strikes kill 16 civilians in Kryvyi Rih, including six children

2

Zelenskyy demands international pressure on Putin

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US-mediated talks seek diplomatic resolution in Black Sea region

He further said that 34 people were also injured in the strike, which involved six "Shahed" drones.

Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Rescue operations are currently underway in Kryvyi Rih following a Russian missile strike. As of now, 16 people are confirmed dead, including six children. In Kharkiv, rescue efforts continued all day after a targeted Russian drone strike. A deliberate attack by six "Shahed" drones. Sadly, five people were killed. Thirty-four were injured. My condolences to all the families and loved ones. In Kherson - another targeted strike by a Russian FPV drone hit an energy facility - the Kherson thermal power plant."

https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1908261160459145426

He further said, "These strikes cannot be accidental - the Russians know exactly what they're hitting. They know these are energy facilities that should be protected from attacks under what Russia itself promised to the American side. Every Russian promise ends with missiles or drones, bombs or artillery. Diplomacy means nothing to them."

President Zelenskyy said that a ceasefire could have already been reached, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly rejected it.

"That's why pressure is needed - sufficient pressure on Russia so they feel the consequences of every lie, every strike, every single day they take lives and prolong the war. A ceasefire could have already been reached - it is Putin who rejects it, it is Moscow that has refused a ceasefire since March 11. It is they, in Russia, who want this war. And it's obvious that Russia won't be forced into peace just by talks or expectations," Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, from March 23 to 25, the United States held expert-level discussions with delegations from Russia and Ukraine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These bilateral meetings followed high-level discussions by US President Donald Trump with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, respectively.

The talks primarily focused on security in the Black Sea, safeguarding commercial maritime activity, energy infrastructure protection, and broader diplomatic efforts to foster a durable peace.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Heartbreaking to hear about the children... when will this senseless violence end? 😔 My thoughts are with all the families affected. Ukraine needs more support now than ever.
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Michael T.
While I fully support Ukraine, I wonder if Zelenskyy's rhetoric about Putin rejecting ceasefire is oversimplifying complex negotiations. War is rarely black and white, even when one side is clearly the aggressor.
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James L.
The deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure is a war crime. Russia needs to be held accountable for these actions. #StandWithUkraine
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Anna P.
Six children... I can't even imagine the pain of those parents. This war has gone on for far too long. The world needs to do more to stop this madness.
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David R.
Interesting that the article mentions the Riyadh talks. Diplomatic solutions are still possible, but Russia needs to show good faith first. Their track record isn't promising though.
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Emma S.
Zelenskyy is right - Russia won't stop unless they're forced to. Half measures haven't worked. Time for the West to step up military aid significantly. 💙💛

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Russia-Ukraine War Volodymyr Zelenskyy Vladimir Putin Ukrainian Civilian Casualties Black Sea Conflict
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