Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has slammed the U.S. over what he called a “disappointing” and “weak” statement that did not explicitly blame Russia for an attack that killed 19 people in his hometown, including nine children.
In addition to those killed, 62 people were injured in the attack, which has been described as one of Moscow’s deadliest strikes on Ukraine this year.
On Friday, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, condemned the attack but did not explicitly mention Russia.
In a post on social media platform X before the full toll was known, she said: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/DOQlyw8C7u
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) April 4, 2025
He wrote on X: “I am grateful for the principled stance of the foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Austria.
“Unfortunately, the response from the U.S. Embassy is surprisingly disappointing – such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction.”
He added: “They [the U.S.] are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children.”
Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, U.S. President Donald Trump has often refrained from adopting an overly critical tone toward Moscow, a stance his critics have labeled as appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Tragically, three-year-old Tymofii died in the hospital today. Seven-year-old Radyslav. Arina, who will forever be seven as well. Nine-year-old Herman. Fifteen-year-old Danylo. Fifteen-year-old Mykyta. Fifteen-year-old Alina. Kostiantyn, who will forever be sixteen. Nikita –… pic.twitter.com/3jz4XS0YgI
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 5, 2025
However, Trump has defended his approach, arguing that it is essential to end the three-year-long war in Ukraine in which he believes Russia holds the upper hand.
Zelenskyy added: “Yes, the war must end. But to end it, we must not be afraid to call things by their names.
“We must not be afraid to pressure the one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it.”
