Zelenskyy slams US for weak response to Kryvyi Rih missile strike
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the US response to the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, calling it weak.
President Zelenskyy issued a statement following one of the most tragic shelling attacks on Kryvyi Rih.
"Tragically, three-year-old Tymofii died in the hospital today. Seven-year-old Radyslav. Arina, who will forever be seven as well. Nine-year-old Herman. Fifteen-year-old Danylo. Fifteen-year-old Mykyta. Fifteen-year-old Alina. Kostiantyn, who will forever be sixteen. Nikita – seventeen. These are the children killed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih," the president stated.
The strike hit a street with residential buildings, shops, a restaurant, and a children's playground. Another 62 people were injured, including 12 children.
Additionally, during the rescue operation, Russia used Shahed-type drones, resulting in seven more people being injured and one person killed.
Zelenskyy emphasized that every such attack should receive a strong international response. He thanked the EU countries, Japan, Switzerland, the UK, and other partners for their support. At the same time, he critically responded to the position of the US, stating that the American embassy didn't even dare to call the missile "Russian."
"Unfortunately, the response from the U.S. 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," the president stressed.
Zelenskyy also reminded that Ukraine is awaiting additional air defense systems, which it had agreed upon with Joe Biden, including the potential provision of Patriot systems.
"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 pressure 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," Zelenskyy stated.
On the night of April 5, Kryvyi Rih was subjected to a massive attack by Russia, initially with a ballistic missile, followed by a strike with Shahed-type drones. As a result of these attacks, at least 19 people were killed, including 9 children.
The international community condemned the Russian missile strike on the residential area of Kryvyi Rih. This crime sparked widespread outrage.
