Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed deep frustration with the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine over what he described as a “weak” response to a Russian missile strike that killed 18 people in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih.


The attack, which occurred Friday evening, involved a Russian ballistic missile that struck a residential neighborhood, killing at least 18 people including nine children and wounding 62 others, according to Ukrainian authorities.


In a post on social media Saturday, Zelensky said he was “unpleasantly surprised” by the embassy’s reaction, calling out its failure to directly attribute the attack to Russia.


“Such a strong country, such a strong people and such a weak reaction,” Zelensky wrote. “They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed the children.”


U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink had posted a statement Friday night, when initial casualty numbers were still being updated. “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 on X.


The post received widespread criticism online for omitting direct mention of Russia as the perpetrator.


Ambassador Brink, appointed by President Joe Biden in May 2022, had routinely identified Russia in previous posts about attacks on Ukraine. However, since mid-February shortly after a reportedly tense Oval Office exchange between Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump her posts have notably avoided naming Russia.


The criticism comes amid a shifting political climate in Washington. Former President Trump, currently seeking re-election, has reportedly been advocating for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, while also pushing for a reset in U.S.-Russia relations.


The muted diplomatic language and timing of recent statements have raised concern among Kyiv officials, who worry about diminishing Western resolve as the war drags on.