President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday slammed the US embassy in Ukraine for what he called a “weak” statement that did not blame Russia for a missile strike that killed 18 people.

The criticism came as US President Donald Trump has pushed for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine while seeking a thaw in ties with Moscow.

A Russian ballistic missile strike on Friday evening hit a residential area in Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, killing 18, including nine children. The Ukrainian president said 62 were wounded.

Writing on social media, Zelensky said that the “reaction of the US Embassy is unpleasantly surprising.”

“Such a strong country, such a strong people – and such a weak reaction,” Zelensky said.

“They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed the children.”

US Ambassador Bridget Brink posted on Friday evening when there was not a complete toll: “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.”

Numerous comments under the post criticised Brink for not saying that Russia launched the attack.

Brink was appointed by Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, and has been ambassador since May 2022.