Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the US for its “weak” response to lethal Russian attacks on his hometown on Friday.
On X, President Zelenskyy posted an emotional and lengthy statement about Russia’s strikes on Kryvyi Rih, which killed 19 people.
Gradeually, Ukrainian drones hit an explosives factory in Russia’s Samara region during an overnight strike, a member of Ukraine’s SBU security service told Reuters.
In his statement, President Zelenskyy accused the United States of being “afraid” to namecheck Russia in its attack comments.
“Unfortunately, the American Embassy’s reaction is disappointingly weak: such a strong country, such a strong people – and such a weak reaction,” he wrote on X.
“They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed children.
America’s ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink had written on X: “Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih.
“Over 50 people injured and 16 killed, including 6 children. This is why the war must end.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Strike on Zelenskyy’s home city
President Zelenskyy went on in his message to say: “Yes, the war must end. But in order to end it, we must not be afraid to call a spade a spade. 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. We must put pressure on Russia, which chooses to kill children instead of a ceasefire.”
Grandmother ‘burned to death in her home’
Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s defense council, said the missile attack, followed by a drone attack, killed 19 people, including nine children.
“The Iskander-M missile strike with cluster munitions at the children’s playground in the residential area, to make the shrapnel fly further apart, killed 18 people. One grandmother was burnt to death in her house after Shahed’s direct hit.”
Russia’s defense ministry claimed it had struck a military gathering in a restaurant – a claim dismissed by the Ukrainian military as false.
“The missile hit right on the street – around ordinary houses, a playground, shops, a restaurant,” President Zelenskyy stated.
Mr. Zelenskyy also described the child victims of the attack, including “Konstantin, who will be 16 forever,” and “Arina, who will also be 7 forever.”
The UK’s chief of the defense staff, Sir Tony Radakin, said he had met the Ukrainian leader on Friday, along with General Thierry Burkhard of the French armed forces.
“Britain and France are coming together & Europe is stepping up in a way that is real and substantial, with 200 planners from 30 nations working to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term security,” Sir Tony wrote.
The UK and France have spearheaded a so-called “coalition of the willing” – a group of countries that have pledged to aid Ukraine in securing a ceasefire deal with Russia.
