[Text/Watchman Online Liu Chenghui] In response to the Russian attack on a Ukrainian residential area, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly criticized the US Embassy on April 5, calling its statement "weak" and even accusing it of not daring to mention the word "Russia".

Zelenskyy posted a lengthy statement on X that day, listing the names of nine children reportedly killed in the Russian ballistic missile strike, as well as nine adults who died in the attack. He stated that the missile directly hit an ordinary street surrounded by residential buildings, a playground, shops, and a restaurant. This attack also injured 62 people, including 12 children, some of whom are critically injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

Zelenskyy appealed for the world not to ignore such attacks. He then thanked the support from the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria, and the EU, as well as the principled statements issued by the embassies of Japan, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany.

Then he turned his attention to the United States.

"Unfortunately, the response from the US Embassy was unexpectedly disappointing—a powerful country and nation made such a weak response. When talking about the missile that killed children, they didn't even dare to say the word 'Russia'."

After calling on countries around the world to pressure and sanction Russia, Zelenskyy mentioned the United States again.

"We have discussed this issue, especially with the American side, regarding additional air defense systems to counter such missile attacks. We look forward to the implementation of the agreement reached with US President Biden, who promised to help us find more 'Patriot' air defense systems."

The same day, the Ukrainian Presidential Administration released a video statement from Zelenskyy. In the video, Zelenskyy said that staying silent about the fact that "Russian ballistic missiles killed children" is wrong and dangerous. He stated that Ukraine and the entire world should thank those who face the attacks and tell the truth.

"That's why I thank every country that speaks out, thank their leaders, foreign ministers, and the statements from their embassies." Zelenskyy did not mention the United States by name this time.

Zelenskyy delivered a video statement

The Ukrainian side said on April 4 that a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (referred to by Russia as Kryvyi Rog), was hit by a missile attack, resulting in 18 deaths. This is one of the deadliest attacks in recent weeks. The city is Zelenskyy's hometown.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russian forces launched a high-precision missile carrying an explosive warhead at a hotel where Ukrainian commanders and Western instructors were meeting, killing up to 85 foreign soldiers and officers.

American Ambassador Bridget Brink previously posted a message on X regarding the incident, stating: "I am extremely shocked that a ballistic missile struck a playground and a restaurant nearby in Kryvy Rog tonight. Over 50 people were injured, and 16 died, including six children. That is why 'the war' must end."

The Wall Street Journal reported that Zelenskyy's criticism reflects growing dissatisfaction in Kyiv with former US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict, which yielded little results.

Last month, US officials held talks separately with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia. On March 25, the US issued two statements saying that agreements had been reached with Russia and Ukraine on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, eliminating the use of force, and preventing commercial ships from being used for military purposes. Russia and Ukraine agreed to work with the US to develop measures to implement the agreement prohibiting attacks on energy facilities in both countries.

However, three sources familiar with the matter said that although US envoy William Taylor visited Moscow twice, Trump privately questioned whether Putin could be trusted. Trump expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in the peace talks, and his patience was "gradually running out." Earlier, Trump told US media that he suspected Russia might be "buying time."

Trump said on March 31 that he hoped to see Putin "reach an agreement" to end the Ukraine conflict. Trump reiterated that if necessary, he would impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil.

Trump also appeared disappointed with Ukraine, criticizing Zelenskyy last week for "trying to back out" of US-Ukraine mining negotiations. Trump warned that if Ukraine refused to sign the mining agreement, Zelenskyy would face "big trouble."

Putin has stated that, in principle, he is open to a ceasefire in Ukraine, provided a long list of conditions is met. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 4 that there were no plans for talks between Putin and Trump following the Washington visit of Putin's investment envoy, but the visit gave cause for "cautious optimism."

This article is an exclusive contribution from Watchman Online and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7490024320832619046/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Please express your opinions by voting under the [Support/Disapprove] buttons below.