Ukraine Mourns Children Killed In Deadly Russian Attack On Zelenskyy's Home Town

Several vigils were held in the Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih for some of the 20 people -- nine of whom were children -- killed over the weekend at a playground and restaurant that were struck by an air strike as Russia again denied firing on civilian infrastructure despite evidence to the contrary.

Three days of mourning began on April 7 in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's home town, with Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul calling the strike the deadliest on Kryviy Rih, an industrial center with a population of around 600,000 before Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than three years ago.

Eyewitness accounts, official statements, public records, and other open-source materials reviewed by Systema, RFE/RL's Russian-language investigative unit, show that the restaurant the Russian military says it targeted because it was hosting a meeting of military units and foreign advisers was actually the site of a beauty industry forum and a birthday party.

Ukrainians Mourn Children Killed In Russian Strike On Kryviy Rih

As memorials popped up by swing sets and climbers throughout the blood-spattered playground, officials from around the world expressed their horror at the attack, which Ukrainian officials said involved the usage of a cluster munition.

"The use of an explosive weapon with wide area effects by the Russian Federation in a densely populated area - and without any apparent military presence - demonstrates a reckless disregard for civilian life," UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement late on April 7.

Victims of the attack ranged from a three-year-old to a 79-year-old.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a briefing on April 7 that "no strikes are carried out on social facilities and social infrastructure," reiterating Moscow's response to allegations from Ukrainian officials that the attack constituted a war crime.

"Even if the Russian authorities had had information that military personnel could be present, the mode and circumstances of attack may constitute an indiscriminate attack," the UN rights office said.

Separately, in the face of the relentless air strikes on civilian areas, French President Emmanuel Macron called for "strong measures" should Moscow continue to block efforts to negotiate a peace deal.

“While Ukraine accepted [US[] President [Donald] Trump’s proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day cease-fire nearly a month ago, and as we work with all our partners to secure peace, Russia continues its war with renewed intensity, showing no regard for civilians,” Macron wrote on X.

“These Russian strikes must stop. A cease-fire must be reached as soon as possible. And strong action must follow if Russia continues to stall and reject peace,” he added.

Still, Russia again overnight continued its series of deadly air strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Kyiv officials said one person was killed and at least three others wounded when a missile hit an industrial district in the capital, sparking fires and damaging a warehouse and other buildings.

Russian Missile Strike Hits Kyiv Industrial District

The casualties appeared to be limited because the districts are home mainly to industrial businesses and storage warehouses.

In Kupyansk, a city east of Kharkiv, Russian forces dropped a glide bomb on a residential district, causing widespread damage and wounding two people.

Much of the city, which is close to the front lines, has been evacuated as Russian forces creep closer from the north.

Glide bombs are heavy munitions that are retrofitted with guidance systems and dropped from aircraft behind the front lines. The weapons are hard to defend against, and Russian forces have used them to devastating effect against Ukrainian defenses across the front lines.

SEE ALSO: Mourners Leave Flowers, Toys For Victims Of Russian Strike In Kryviy Rih

Overall, Russia fired nearly two dozen missiles at Ukrainian targets and more than 100 drones, authorities said. Half the missiles and nearly half the drones were shot down, officials claimed.

Ukraine, for its part, fired 11 drones at Russian targets, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

In February, the Kremlin and the White House, as well as Ukrainian authorities, announced the framework for a limited cease-fire that would restrict attacks on energy infrastructure such as power plants, transmission lines, and substations.

Moscow and Washington also announced a deal to limit military activity in the Black Sea region.

However, Ukrainian and Russian forces have continued to fire drones and missiles at one another, almost nightly.