Russian missile strike on a five‑storey apartment block in Ukrainian town Pryluky on 7 October killed 19 people, including five children, and destroyed 30 flats, local officials said. The attack left dozens wounded.
Three child victims were one‑year‑olds named Oleksandr, Kyrylo and Serhii; an eight‑year‑old named Maxsym also lost his life. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack “one of Russia’s most vile” and suggested it was a “birthday gift” to Vladimir Putin.
Moscow denied responsibility, describing the assault as a “massive strike” on military industries in Kyiv and elsewhere. The day’s death toll in Ukraine rose to 25, with casualties in Kyiv, Kremenchuk and Oleksandriya.
Rescue teams combed rubble for hours, later locating a fifth child. About 50 residents were injured, and a youth centre was damaged.
Zelensky said 70 missiles were fired that day; the Ukrainian air force shot down 5 ballistic and 39 cruise missiles, plus over 100 drones. He urged allies for more air‑defence support.
The strike highlighted the escalating severity of Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
