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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced sharp criticism of the United States following one of the deadliest Russian missile strikes in recent weeks that devastated his hometown, Kryvyi Rih, killing 18 people, including nine children.
In an emotional statement on Saturday, Zelenskyy condemned what he called a “weak” response from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, particularly taking aim at Ambassador Bridget Brink for failing to directly name Russia as the aggressor behind the attack.
“Unfortunately, the reaction of the American Embassy is unpleasantly surprising: such a strong country, such a strong people — and such a weak reaction,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed the children.”
The strike, which occurred Friday evening, hit a residential neighborhood near a children’s playground and a restaurant. Local authorities confirmed 72 others were injured, including 12 children, with 17 people in serious condition. The city has declared three days of mourning.
The U.S. ambassador had posted on X: “Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih. More than 50 people injured and 16 killed, including 6 children. This is why the war must end.” The message, though sympathetic, drew backlash for failing to assign blame directly to Russia.
Zelenskyy stressed that accountability is crucial for ending the war. “Yes, the war must end. But in order to end it, we must not be afraid to call a spade a spade,” he wrote. “We must not be afraid to put pressure on the only one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry later claimed the strike was aimed at a location where Ukrainian commanders and Western military instructors were gathered. Ukrainian authorities rejected this, calling it a deliberate attack on civilians.
The criticism of the U.S. comes amid growing international efforts to support Ukraine. On the same day as the missile strike, Zelenskyy met with British and French military chiefs in Kyiv, calling the talks “productive” and noting “tangible progress” in discussions about future security guarantees and military cooperation.
French and UK officials, including General Thierry Burkhard and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, emphasized their countries’ commitment to standing by Ukraine not just during the war but after — with France and Britain leading discussions on deploying a post-war “reassurance force.”
In response to the missile strike, Ukrainian forces launched counter-attacks, including drone strikes on Russian positions in the Samara region. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defenses reported shooting down 51 of 92 Russian drones launched overnight, along with neutralizing 31 decoy drones.
The latest escalation underscores the continued volatility of the war and highlights Zelenskyy’s growing impatience with what he perceives as diplomatic timidity, especially from allies hesitant to publicly confront Moscow.
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