The attack injured 72 people, among them a three-month-old infant, and inflicted damage on numerous apartment buildings, six educational institutions, as well as various shops and businesses, stated Oleksandr Vilkul, the mayor of Kryvyi Rih, on Telegram on Saturday, describing it as a “tragic evening and night”.

“The terrorist country has committed another bloody crime. Rocket and extensive Shahed attacks have hit residential zones and playgrounds,” remarked the mayor.

Now though, progress needs to be made, Rubio said. “There can’t be talks about talks.”

Last week, after negotiating separately with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, the White House reported that an agreement mediated by the US had been reached to cease hostilities in the Black Sea, alongside a commitment to uphold a previously announced suspension of attacks on energy facilities.

However, Russia responded by setting additional conditions on the Black Sea ceasefire, including the lifting of sanctions imposed on its banks and exports.