Ukraine’s Zelensky chides US stance on Russia after 9 children killed in strike

At least 18 were killed after a Russian ballistic missile hit a residential area where a children’s playground, houses were located, officials said.

A burning car next to damaged buildings in Kryvyi Rig, after a reported missile strike amid the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Picture: Telegram / @V_Zelensky_official / AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the US for its muted reaction to a Russian missile strike that killed at least 18, including nine children, highlighting the simmering tensions as President Trump seeks to placate Russia as part of efforts to end the war.

In a social-media post on Saturday, Zelensky listed the children killed by the ballistic missile strike Friday in the central Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih, from a three-year-old called Tymofiy to 17-year-old Nikita.

He thanked European allies and Japan for their reaction to the strike, before noting that US Ambassador Bridget Brink’s social-media post didn’t mention Russia, whose three-year invasion has killed tens of thousands of Ukrainians.

“Unfortunately, the reaction of the US Embassy was an unpleasant surprise,” Zelensky wrote. “Such a powerful country, such a powerful nation — and such a weak reaction. They are afraid even to say the word ‘Russia,’ speaking about a missile that killed children.”

Zelensky’s criticism reflects growing frustration in Kyiv with Trump’s efforts to end the war, which have yielded few results and seen Washington echo the Kremlin’s views while limiting criticism of Russia.

Flowers and toys left in the play area to commemorate victims killed in Russia's missile attack on Friday, near apartment buildings Ukraine on Saturday. Picture: AP

Ukraine has agreed to implement a full ceasefire, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has consented only to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, something Kyiv says hasn’t happened. Russia has also insisted on sanctions relief in exchange for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Zelensky called for pressure on Russia, including additional sanctions, to force an end to the war. “It’s necessary to pressure Russia, which chooses the murder of children instead of a ceasefire,” Zelensky wrote.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that he told a top Kremlin envoy visiting the US that Russia needs to clarify whether it is committed to peace in Ukraine and that the White House expects an answer soon.

Trump has shown irritation at the pace of peace talks, but has refrained from levying new sanctions on Russia. At the same time, he briefly paused weapons deliveries and some intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March after a heated Oval Office meeting with Zelensky and is pressuring Kyiv to sign an agreement that would hand sweeping powers over Ukraine’s economy in an effort to recoup billions in aid.

The Russian strike on Friday afternoon in Kryviy Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, hit a residential area where houses, a children’s playground, shops and a restaurant were located, officials said.

Zelensky said a further 62 were injured in the strike, including 12 children. Russia followed up with a drone strike on the city overnight, killing one and injuring seven, he said.

Videos posted on social media showed burning vehicles, bodies splayed on the ground and parents grieving over their dead children. One woman in a white coat knelt beside a motionless body stroking it and saying: “My sweet little kitten. My sunshine.”

Wall Street Journal