Zelenskyy criticizes US Embassy for “weak” response to Russian missile strike that killed nine children

 

    Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink.

Ukrainian President Criticizes Weak Response to Deadly Missile Strike

A recent statement by US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink calling for an end to the war—without explicitly naming the aggressor—drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following a ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 19 people, including nine children, Brink expressed horror at the attack but stopped short of attributing responsibility to Russia, prompting Zelenskyy to argue that ending the war requires direct pressure on the party perpetuating the violence.

In her response to the attack, Ambassador Brink wrote: *“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.”* Her statement notably avoided mentioning Russia, a departure from previous US condemnations of attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy swiftly condemned the embassy’s response as “surprisingly disappointing” and “weak,” particularly given the scale of the tragedy. *“They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children,”* he stated. He emphasized that true progress toward peace requires unambiguous language and decisive action against the party responsible for the war.

*“We must not be afraid to pressure the one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it,”* Zelenskyy asserted. *“We must pressure the one choosing to kill children instead of choosing a ceasefire.”*

The missile strike on April 4 struck a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, detonating near a playground, shops, and a restaurant. Local officials reported that the missile was designed to explode midair to maximize casualties in the densely populated district. Rescue efforts were further hampered when Russian forces launched follow-up drone attacks, killing one more person and injuring seven others.

Among the victims were children as young as three years old, including Tymofii, Radyslav (7), Arina (7), Herman (9), and teenagers Danylo, Mykyta, Alina (all 15), and Kostiantyn (16). The attack left over 60 injured, with many in critical condition.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to nations that had taken a firmer stance, naming Czechia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria, Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany for their support. He also reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defenses, particularly Patriot systems, referencing prior discussions with the US President about securing such protections against missile strikes.

The incident has intensified scrutiny over diplomatic responses to Russian aggression, with Zelenskyy stressing that meaningful steps toward peace require not just calls for an end to the war but direct accountability for those sustaining it.