After Backlash, US Ambassador Finally Blames Russia for Kryvyi Rih Missile Strike
A nationwide day of mourning was declared across Ukraine on Sunday, April 6, with entertainment events canceled throughout the country.
On Friday, April 4, Russia launched a ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, reportedly killing 20 people, including nine children.
At the time, Ambassador Brink reacted to the strike but did not mention that Russia was behind the attack.
“Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in (Kryvyi Rih). More than 50 people injured and 16 killed, including 6 children. This is why the war must end,” she wrote.
Her initial post sparked criticism online for avoiding any mention of Russia’s responsibility, as well as pandering to US President Donald Trump’s perceived insistence that Ukraine capitulate to Russian aggression.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also reacted sharply, saying he was “unpleasantly surprised” by such a weak response from the US embassy.
“Unfortunately, the reaction of the American embassy is unpleasantly surprising: such a strong country, such a strong people – and such a weak reaction. They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed children,” Zelensky said.
Source: Kyiv Post