Volodymyr Zelenskyy Criticizes US for ‘Weak’ Remarks on Russian Assault Amid Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Factory | World News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the US for its “timid” response to devastating Russian attacks on his hometown that occurred on Friday.

In a heartfelt and extensive statement on X, President Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s strikes on Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in the death of 19 individuals.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones targeted an explosives factory in Russia’s Samara region during an overnight raid, as reported by a member of Ukraine’s SBU security service to Reuters.

In his statement, President Zelenskyy accused the United States of being “afraid” to directly reference Russia in their response to the attack.

“Regrettably, the reaction from the American Embassy is surprisingly disappointing: such a powerful nation, such a resilient people – and yet such a feeble reaction,” he expressed on X.

“They hesitate to even utter the word ‘Russian’ when discussing the missile that resulted in the loss of children’s lives.”

Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine, shared on X: “I’m horrified that a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih last night.

“Over 50 individuals were injured, and 16 were killed, including 6 children. This is precisely why the war must conclude.”

President Zelenskyy further asserted in his statement: “Indeed, the war must come to an end. However, to achieve this, we cannot shy away from calling things by their true names.”

“We must not hesitate to apply pressure to the only party that continues this conflict and disregards the global calls for its cessation. We need to exert pressure on Russia, which prioritizes killing children over seeking a ceasefire.”

Grandmother ‘burned to death in her home’

Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s defense council, stated that the missile and subsequent drone strikes claimed 19 lives, including nine children.

“The Iskander-M missile strike, using cluster munitions near the children’s playground in a residential area, killed 18 individuals,” he added.

“One grandmother tragically perished in her home after a direct hit from a Shahed drone.”

Russia’s defense ministry claimed it targeted a military meeting in a restaurant—an assertion dismissed by the Ukrainian military as false.

“The missile struck directly on the street—amid ordinary houses, a playground, shops, and a restaurant,” President Zelenskyy emphasized.

Mr. Zelenskyy also recounted the names of young victims from the attack, including “Konstantin, who will forever be 16” and “Arina, who will remain 7 forever.”

The UK’s chief of defense staff, Sir Tony Radakin, mentioned that he had a meeting with the Ukrainian leader on Friday, alongside French armed forces chief General Thierry Burkhard.

“Britain and France are uniting, and Europe is stepping up in a tangible and significant way, with 200 planners from 30 nations collaborating to bolster Ukraine’s long-term security,” Sir Tony stated.

The UK and France have initiated a so-called ‘coalition of the willing’—a collective of nations committed to assisting Ukraine in securing peace, provided a ceasefire agreement is reached with Russia.