Global political leaders and Ukrainian communities condemn Russia’s missile strike on Kryvyi Rih

Ukrainian communities, diplomats, and politicians around the world condemned Russia’s missile strike on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4, which killed 20 civilians, including nine children. 

Activists voiced their condolences for the victims in the south-central industrial city, and called for Russia to be held accountable at rallies and in public statements that demanded justice to be upheld.

A rally took place in Chicago’s downtown landmark of Water Tower on April 6, where people assembled to voice their anger.

“Russia is a terrorist state, Russia kills Ukrainian children,” said Dr. Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak, president of the UCCA Illinois Division.

After the gathering, the group of nearly 100 rallygoers marched to Daley Plaza where the City Hall is located and an iconic sculpture by artist Pablo Picasso stands. 

A rally was held in New York as well.

In Washington, a rally was held near the Lincoln Memorial.

Ukrainians in London honored the memory of the children who lost their lives near the statue of Saint Volodymyr the Great.

Hundreds of people on April 5 took to the streets of Paris to show their support for Ukraine, which is currently resisting Russia’s genocidal actions, according to Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France Vice President. 

Ukrainians staged a rally in northern Italian city of Milan, calling for justice.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Kremlin’s actions, stating that attacks like the one on Kryvyi Rih show how Russia is mocking peace proposals. He expressed his condolences to the Ukrainian people.

“On this national day of mourning in Ukraine, my thoughts are with the children and all innocent civilians who have fallen victim to Russia’s deadly attacks,” he said.

Macron stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, adding, “decisive actions are necessary if Russia continues to delay and reject calls for a truce. How much longer will Russia mock peace offers from the US and Ukraine while continuing to kill children and other civilians?”

Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, believes that negotiations should be postponed while Russia continues its aggressive military actions in Ukraine.

“We hope for good neighborly relations, but that time has not yet come. It will depend on when Russia demonstrates a genuine willingness to return to the international legal framework,” Valtonen said.

The European Union also condemned the attack. 

“Tragic and inhumane images coming out from Kryvyi Rih. Another reckless Russian attack struck a crowded residential area, reportedly killing at least 14, including 6 children. Russia continues to destroy Ukraine, no interest in peace,” wrote EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas

The missile strike on Kryvyi Rih has become the deadliest attack on children in a single strike since February 2022, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian World Congress strongly condemns the horrific and barbaric Russian missile strike on residential areas in Kryvyi Rih. Russia continues to cynically and ruthlessly target and harm innocent civilians across Ukraine despite attempts by former U.S. President Donald Trump to secure a peace agreement.