Volodymyr Zelensky has attacked the US for its “weak” reaction to a Russian missile strike that killed nine children.

A combined ballistic missile and drone attack struck Kryvyi Rih, the Ukrainian president’s home town, killing at least 19 people and injuring another 60 on Friday night.

Mr Zelensky said he appreciated support from European allies, including the UK, Germany and Finland, but he was “disappointed” by the response from the US embassy in Kyiv, which described the attack as “horrifying” but did not mention that it was carried out by Russia.

“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,” Mr Zelensky said in a statement on X.

He said he agreed that the war needed to end, but said it was necessary to “call things by their names” to do so.

“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,” he added.