After Backlash, US Ambassador Finally Blames Russia for Kryvyi Rih Missile Strike

US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has once again responded to the tragedy in Kryvyi Rih, this time directly blaming Russia for the deadly missile strike.

In a post on X, she wrote:

“We express solidarity with the people of Ukraine on this day of national mourning after Russia’s missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, which took the lives of 20 people, including 9 children.”

“Our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed and injured,” she added.

Brink also published a photo showing the US flag at half-mast in mourning.

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.

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Ukraine Strikes Oil Junction in Volgograd and Levels Enemy Command Posts

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed a massive strike operation on Saturday, June 13. Ukrainian long-range strike drones infiltrated Russia’s rear to hit a major oil preparation and pumping workshop near Kotovo in the Volgograd region, triggering a large-scale industrial fire verified by NASA’s satellite tracking systems. The targeted facility serves as a vital logistics node, processing crude from the Korobkovskoye and neighboring fields for export and domestic refining.

“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.