Several killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine as Eurovision semifinal draws focus

At least two civilians were killed and a nine-month-old infant critically injured in a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Kryvyj Rih, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed early Tuesday, according to a report by Swedish public broadcaster SVT Nyheter.

Zelenskyy described the attack as “a ruthless and militarily meaningless Russian drone strike” in a Telegram post, adding that the two victims were elderly. The infant remains hospitalised with severe injuries.

Meanwhile, China has called for intensified mediation efforts between the US and Iran, urging Pakistan—acting as an intermediary—to accelerate diplomatic progress, state news agency Xinhua reported. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, emphasising the need for “appropriate measures.”

The developments coincide with the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest, where Sweden and Finland advanced to the final. Analysts noted a clear frontrunner emerged during the competition, though neither country’s entry was specified as the favourite.