Zelensky Criticizes US for Weak Response to Deadly Russian Strike on Hometown
KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized the US Embassy for what he described as a “feeble” response to a devastating Russian missile strike on his hometown, Kryvyi Rih, which killed 18 people — including nine children.
The missile attack, one of the deadliest in recent weeks, struck a residential area near a children’s playground in central Ukraine on Friday evening. This was followed by drone strikes. According to Dnipropetrovsk region’s Governor Sergiy Lysak, 72 individuals were injured, including 12 children. Local officials have declared three days of mourning.
In an emotional post on social media, Zelensky named each of the young victims and condemned the US Embassy’s statement for not identifying Russia as the perpetrator. “It’s shocking that such a powerful nation could offer such a weak response,” he said. “They wouldn’t even say the word ‘Russia’.”
Zelensky’s remarks appeared aimed at Washington as former President Donald Trump pushes for a partial ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, despite continued Russian aggression.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it targeted a location where Ukrainian commanders and Western advisors were supposedly meeting. Ukrainian military leadership denied the claim, calling it a cover-up and accusing Russia of war crimes.
The US Embassy had posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing horror over the attack but did not directly blame Russia. Ambassador Bridget Brink described the strike as hitting “near a playground and restaurant” and added, “This is why the war must end.” In response, Zelensky said, “To end the war, we must have the courage to speak the truth.”
After Zelensky’s criticism, Brink posted another statement on Saturday referencing “Russian attacks” during her visit to Kharkiv.
Kryvyi Rih officials confirmed April 7–9 as days of mourning. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the local military administration, called the assault “a mass murder of civilians,” while Governor Lysak said the suffering was unimaginable.
Zelensky, who was born in Kryvyi Rih, noted that the children killed ranged in age from three-year-old Tymofiy to 17-year-old Nikita. “People capable of this are not human,” he said, adding that Russia launched drones during rescue efforts.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, launched in February 2022. “The world sees that Russia is not interested in peace,” he stated.
On Friday, Zelensky hosted British Chief of Defence Staff Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard to discuss a joint plan for a “reassurance” mission. While details were limited, Zelensky described it as progress toward preparing an international security force to support Ukraine if a peace deal materializes.
This plan comes as European leaders try to coordinate efforts amid Trump’s unilateral approach, which includes outreach to Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow accused Ukraine of targeting 14 energy facilities over 24 hours. Kyiv strongly denied these claims, calling them “false accusations.”
