Today, many world leaders, diplomats, and ordinary people with big hearts expressed their condolences to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. They condemned the Russian strike. I thank everyone who remembers that wars end when the crimes of war are not forgotten — and when the aggressor is met with enough pressure. And that’s exactly what’s missing right now. This Friday marked one month since Russia spurned the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid. That’s why they keep launching ballistic missiles. That’s why there are nearly a hundred attack drones every night — most of them Shaheds — targeting ordinary Ukrainian cities. Russian assaults on the front line continue as well. They do not stop attacking. They do not stop spreading hatred through their state propaganda. Only pressure — only decisive action — can change this. Every Russian ballistic missile, every cruise missile, every Shahed drone and every guided bomb strikes not only our people and our communities, but also diplomacy — and the political efforts of everyone trying to end this war. We will continue doing everything we can to protect our people and save lives.

Tragically, three-year-old Tymofii died in the hospital today. Seven-year-old Radyslav. Arina, who will forever be seven as well. Nine-year-old Herman. Fifteen-year-old Danylo. Fifteen-year-old Mykyta. Fifteen-year-old Alina. Kostiantyn, who will forever be sixteen. Nikita – seventeen. These are the children killed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. There were only a few minutes after the missile was launched from the enemy’s Taganrog area. Unfortunately, nine adults were also killed. My condolences to all the families and loved ones. The missile struck right at the ordinary street with residential buildings, a playground, shops, and a restaurant around. Sixty-two people were injured in the attack, including twelve children. Some of them are in critical condition, they are currently in the hospitals. Doctors are doing everything possible to save lives. In addition to that ballistic missile, the Russians launched attack drones against Kryvyi Rih yesterday during the rescue operation – in time of such grief for people. The drone attack injured seven people. One person was killed. There is simply no deeper level of cynicism, vileness, or hatred toward people than what Russia embodies today. It is critically important not to leave this Russian strike on civilians, on the city – every such strike – without a response from the world. Kryvyi Rih and all of Ukraine have already been supported by many yesterday and today. I am grateful for the principled stance of the foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Austria. I thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for her position and support. We value the principled statements made by the Embassies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany. Unfortunately, the response from the U.S. Embassy is surprisingly disappointing – such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction. They are afraid to even say the word “Russian” when speaking about the missile that murdered children. Yes, the war must end. But to end it, we must not be afraid to call things by their names. We must not be afraid to pressure the one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it. We must pressure Russia – the one choosing to kill children instead of choosing a ceasefire. There must be additional sanctions against those who cannot exist without ballistic strikes on their neighboring nation. We must do everything in our capacity to save lives. And we have discussed this, in particular with the American side, the additional air defense systems supply to defend against precisely these types of missile attacks. We count on our agreements with the President of the United States, who promised to help find more Patriots. And we count on the strength of the world to overcome this evil – this war, this Russian aggression. Only through strength and coordinated action with partners can we stop the killing, save the lives of children, and establish lasting peace. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine – from the very beginning of this war, and especially on such tragic days. Eternal memory to all our people whose lives were taken by Russian strikes.

All night, a rescue operation continued in Kryvyi Rih at the site of a Russian missile strike. A ballistic missile struck an ordinary hotel. Just before the attack, volunteers from a humanitarian organization – citizens of Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom – had checked into the hotel. They survived because they managed to get down from their rooms in time. Unfortunately, four people were killed in this attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones. In total, more than 30 people were injured, and all have received the necessary medical assistance. Many civilian buildings around the hotel were also damaged. Rescue workers are still on-site, and all emergency services continue to operate. I thank everyone who is on duty these days and nights, working and serving to save lives. My gratitude goes out to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the National Police, medical workers, emergency responders, and all those whose work helps save lives. There must be no pause in the pressure on Russia to stop this war and terror against life.