KYIV, Ukraine, April 5, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine for its "weak" response to a deadly Russian missile strike, while also announcing "tangible progress" in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities following high-level meetings with British and French military chiefs.   

Zelensky's criticism of the U.S. Embassy stemmed from a Russian ballistic missile attack on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Friday evening, which killed 18 people, including nine children, and injured 62. U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink condemned the attack in a social media post, stating, "Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in (Kryvyi Rig). More than 50 people injured and 16 killed, including 6 children. This is why the war must end."  

However, Zelensky found the statement lacking, expressing his disappointment on social media: "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 the children." The Ukrainian leader's remarks come amid a period when the U.S. Ambassador has notably refrained from directly naming Russia in her public statements regarding attacks on Ukraine, a shift that occurred around mid-February, following a reportedly tense exchange between Zelensky and the current U.S. President. This also coincides with the U.S. President's push for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and efforts to improve relations with Moscow. Brink was appointed by President Joe Biden and assumed her role in May 2022.  

In a separate development on Saturday, Zelensky reported "tangible progress" after a meeting in Kyiv with British Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Tony Radakin and his French counterpart General Thierry Burkhard. The discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and exploring future security guarantees in a post-war scenario. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also participated in the Friday meeting.  

"There is tangible progress and the first details on how the security contingent of partners can be deployed," Zelensky stated on social media. He expressed gratitude to France, led by President Emmanuel Macron, and the UK, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for their efforts to establish a European "reassurance force" for Ukraine after the war. "It is this kind of joint work, when everyone is focused on a strong result, that helps bring a reliable and lasting peace to Ukraine," Zelensky added.  

Zelensky revealed that talks covered military presence "on the ground, in the sky, and at sea," including air defense cooperation and other sensitive matters. He announced that military-level meetings with allies will now be held weekly, highlighting increased coordination. General Burkhard affirmed that the dialogue centered on "reassurance options" from a future international coalition, emphasizing the shared goal of securing a "lasting and solid peace in Ukraine" as crucial for European security. He noted that the visit also aimed to ensure "determined support" for Ukraine's military and to strategize for the long-term reconstruction and transformation of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Zelensky's contrasting reactions to the U.S. statement and the meetings with the UK and French military chiefs underscore Ukraine's complex diplomatic landscape as it navigates ongoing conflict and seeks long-term security assurances.

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