President Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed gratitude to international partners for their solidarity after the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, at the same time he was surprised that the position of the United States regarding this tragedy turned out to be too reserved.
The President announced the death of another child, three-year-old Timofey, who died in hospital after a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. In total, 9 children died as a result of the ballistic missile attack launched from the Taganrog region: seven-year-old Radislav, Arina, who will forever remain 7, Herman, 9, 15-year-old Danylo, Nikita and Alina, Konstantin, 16, and Nikita, 17. 9 adults also died. Another 62 people were injured, 12 of them children. Some are in critical condition.
The president emphasized that the rocket hit an ordinary street: there were residential buildings, a playground, shops, and a restaurant around. During the rescue operation, the Russians repeatedly attacked with drones. One person died, seven more were injured. Zelensky called it the embodiment of “maximum cynicism, meanness and hatred of people.”
The head of state thanked those who have already expressed support — in particular, the ministers of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria, as well as the EU delegation. Among the countries that have publicly expressed a principled position are Japan, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Germany.
At the same time, Zelensky expressed disappointment with the reaction of the United States of America, drawing attention to the fact that the statement of the American embassy did not even mention Russia as the culprit of the tragedy:
“Unfortunately, the reaction of the American Embassy is unpleasantly surprising: such a strong country, such a strong people – and such a weak reaction. Even the word “Russian” is afraid to say when talking about the rocket that killed children.
The president called on the world to call a spade a spade, to increase pressure on Russia, which, he said, “chooses killing children over a ceasefire.” He emphasized the need for new sanctions against the Russian war machine and more active assistance in the supply of air defense systems.
Zelenskyy confirmed that negotiations with the US on the provision of additional Patriot systems are ongoing:
“We are counting on an agreement with the US president, who promised to help with the search for additional “patriots”.
The head of state also emphasized that it is possible to stop the war and save the lives of Ukrainian children only through the strength, determination and coordination of international partners.
