Matthias Schmale stated that he was deeply disturbed by reports of another Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, a city in the Dnipro region.

“‘This attack follows a deeply disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on populated areas across Ukraine, which continue to kill and maim civilians.’ The country’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, ‘is still reeling’ from a massive attack the night before, he noted.

“The cost to families is unbearable. Civilians are protected under international humanitarian law. They are not a target,” he said.

Young Lives Lost

In response to the incident, UNICEF called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine.

“‘We are devastated by the horrific attack in Kryvyi Rih that reportedly killed at least nine children and injured many more, including one as young as three months old’ UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, said.

The missile reportedly struck a residential neighborhood in the Saksahanskyi district early in the evening, when many families were gathering ahead of the weekend. It landed near a playground, tearing through homes, schools, and a restaurant, De Dominicis added.

“‘Among the scenes of devastation, parents were seen weeping, cradling the body of their dead son. No child should ever suffer such terror. No parent should ever endure such pain’ she said.