Zelenskyy Criticizes US Embassy for Statement on Russian Kryvyi Rih Attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed disappointment over the US Embassy’s response to the recent Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, including nine children.

In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy called the reaction of the US diplomatic mission “weak,” pointing out that the embassy did not mention that the missile responsible for the attack was Russian. He emphasized that failing to name the source of such attacks undermines international efforts to hold aggressors accountable.

“A strong country, a strong nation — yet such a weak reaction. Even the word 'Russian' is absent when referring to the missile that killed children,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He noted that previous statements by US Ambassador Bridget Brink had acknowledged Russia’s role in similar incidents, but the latest message made no mention of it. Brink had stated that she was “horrified” by the strike near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih but did not attribute the attack to Russia, prompting criticism from Ukrainian officials and citizens alike.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Austria, as well as to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and to the embassies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany, for what he described as their clear stance on the Russian attack.

The missile strike occurred on April 4, hitting a residential area with homes, shops, a restaurant, and a playground. According to Ukrainian authorities, among the victims were children aged between three and seventeen. More than 60 people were injured, including 12 children. During rescue operations, additional attacks using Shahed-type drones caused further casualties.

Zelenskyy reiterated that every such strike should receive a strong and unambiguous international response. He also reminded that Ukraine is in talks with the US about acquiring additional air defense systems, including Patriot missile systems, to help defend against similar threats.

“Yes, the war must end. But to make that happen, one must not be afraid to name things as they are and to apply pressure on the one who continues the war and disregards global efforts to stop it,” he said.

The president stressed the need for further sanctions against those responsible for ballistic attacks and called for continued international efforts to save lives and prevent future strikes.

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