 "‘Strong country, weak reaction:’ Zelenskyy blasts US embassy after deadly Russian strikes")
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (April 5) blasted US embassy in Kyiv for issuing what he termed a “weak” reaction to Russian strikes that killed 18 in his hometown.
Taking to X, Zelenskyy posted footage showing the moment when a Russian missile struck Kryvyi Rig area on Friday, killing nine children and 11 others. At least 62 people were injured in the attack.
In his post, the Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude towards the embassies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany but criticised the US embassy for its “weak reaction”.
Zelenskyy wrote, “Unfortunately, the response from the US Embassy is surprisingly disappointing – such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction. They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children.”
He added that while he supported bringing the war to an end, no one should shy away from call things by their names.
“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 put pressure on the one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it. We must pressure Russia – the one choosing to kill children instead of choosing a ceasefire,” the Ukrainian leader added.
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On Friday, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink posted that he was “horrified” by the strikes that targeted a playground and restaurant.
Brink wrote in a post, “Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in (Kryvyi Rig). More than 50 people were injured and 16 killed, including 6 children. This is why the war must end.”
Brink has been US ambassador to Ukraine since May 2022 and has refrained from directly calling out Moscow for deadly strikes.
Zelenskyy in his post added that he is hopeful that the US and the world will back Kyiv to overcome this “evil Russian aggression”.
“We count on our agreements with the President of the United States, who promised to help find more Patriots. And we count on the strength of the world to overcome this evil – this war, this Russian aggression.”
After the Russian attack, Ukraine hit back by sending drones to target an explosives factory in Russia’s Samara region.
The US has intensified efforts to broker peace between the two warring sides but with little success. Last month, Ukraine and Russia reached an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure but allegations of violations have flown from both sides. Zelenskyy on Friday accused Russia of launching a drone attack at a thermal power plant in Kherson.
“All Russian promises end with missiles and drones, bombs or artillery,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “Diplomacy is an empty word for them."
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