Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy voiced frustration over the U.S. embassy’s response to a deadly Russian missile strike that killed 18 people, including nine children, in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. The attack, which struck near a playground and restaurant, injured more than 50 people.
While several embassies in Kyiv directly blamed Russia for the attack, Zelenskiy pointed out that the U.S. embassy failed to name Russia in its condemnation. Writing in English on social media platform X, Zelenskiy called the U.S. response "surprisingly disappointing," saying it showed "such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction."
He criticized the embassy’s reluctance to identify Russia as the perpetrator, stating, “They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children.” In his nightly address, he emphasized the danger of avoiding the truth, warning that silence only emboldens Moscow to continue the war and dismiss diplomacy.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink acknowledged the strike on X, expressing horror over the missile attack but did not mention Russia. "This is why the war must end," she wrote.
Tensions have risen as the United States, under President Donald Trump, seeks to improve ties with Russia—a stark shift from the previous Biden administration’s stance. Zelenskiy, who has tread carefully in criticizing Washington since a strained meeting with Trump in February, took a firmer tone following the latest tragedy.
With the war in Ukraine dragging on, Zelenskiy’s remarks underscore the importance of clear international condemnation. He urged global leaders to stand firmly against Russian aggression, warning that weakness in rhetoric leads to continued violence.