The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism condemns the deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. The attack was an unimaginable horror that killed civilians, including children, in a residential area. This strike marks one of the darkest chapters for Kryvyi Rih, the home of President Zelenskyy.
A Russian missile hit a neighborhood in Kryvyi Rih, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian authorities revealed that at least 19 people were killed and 75 others wounded.
The attack is described as an unspeakable horror as nine children were killed, most while playing in a park, as a military weapon exploded into shrapnel above them. A single explosion killed 18 lives on a warm Friday evening in Kryvyi Rih, as families assembled near a playground, a restaurant, and residential buildings.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for what it called a “high-precision strike,” targeting a restaurant where Ukrainian unit commanders and Western instructors were meeting took place.
The Tactics Institute rejected Moscow’s justification, as the UN Human Rights Office had verified many of the deaths and was continuing to collect details. According to the statement, witnesses told UN investigators that an industry forum was being held at the restaurant shortly before the attacks and that no military personnel were present in the room.
All witnesses said that there had been no military sight at the restaurant or in the area at the time of the strike. The attacks could constitute indiscriminate aggression under international law, even if there was apprehension of a military target.
These intentional bombings of civilians are acts of war crimes. We urge the International Criminal Court to immediately initiate proceedings against Russia’s political and military leadership and all enablers. International sanctions against Russia’s economy must be ramped up, including an immediate stoppage of the sale of Russian oil and gas.
The Tactics Institute calls for a prompt, thorough, and independent inquiry into the attack. We stress the urgent need to safeguard civilians in the ongoing conflict.
