Zelenskyy Slams U.S. Embassy Over Tepid Response to Deadly Russian Strike in Kryvyi Rih
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for what he described as an “inadequate” response to a recent Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, his hometown. The attack, which took place on Friday, resulted in at least 19 fatalities — including nine children — and over 50 injuries. The comments were widely shared across Zelenskyy’s social media channels.
According to Live World Updates, the president expressed his dismay at the reaction from the United States, particularly from Ambassador Bridget Brink. “The response from the U.S. Embassy is disturbingly weak. Such a powerful country, such a strong nation — and yet such a feeble reaction,” Zelenskyy stated. “They’re even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when referring to the missile that killed children.”
Missile Strike Leaves Devastation in Kryvyi Rih
The Russian Federation launched a targeted missile strike on a residential neighborhood in Kryvyi Rih, striking near a children’s playground and a restaurant. The devastating result: 19 people dead, including nine children, and dozens more wounded. This marked one of the deadliest single-day assaults on civilians in recent months.
Ambassador Brink responded on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday evening, stating, “(I’m) concerned that a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih. Over 50 people have been injured and 16 confirmed dead, including six children. This is why the war must end.” However, she stopped short of naming Russia as the aggressor — a decision that sparked a wave of criticism online.
Public Reaction and Geopolitical Implications
Social media users were quick to point out Brink’s omission of the word “Russia,” which they felt downplayed the gravity and source of the attack. As Live World Updates notes, Ambassador Brink had frequently called out Russia directly in past statements — a practice she appears to have scaled back since mid-February, around the time of President Zelenskyy’s meeting with Donald Trump at the White House.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on Telegram that the missile targeted a meeting of Ukrainian commanders and Western military advisors in a nearby restaurant. They alleged that the strike killed up to 85 military personnel and foreign officers and destroyed 20 vehicles. The Ukrainian military swiftly rejected the statement, calling it “blatant disinformation.”
For ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine and global updates, visit Live World Updates.
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