Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hit out at the United States over what he described as a "weak" response to a deadly Russian missile strike which killed nine children - including one aged just three. The attack on Kryvyi Rih, launched from the Taganrog area, killed nine adults and 9 children, and left dozens more wounded.

Mr Zelensky confirmed: "Three-year-old Timofey, unfortunately, died today in the hospital. 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.

But he singled out the US Embassy in Kyiv for failing to name Russia in its public reaction.

He said:"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 the children."

Mr Zelensky said he had discussed additional air defence with US President Donald Trump, adding: "We are counting on our agreements with the President of the United States, who promised to help with the search for additional Patriots."

He concluded: "We must not be afraid to call things by their proper names."

Commenting on the strike, which also saw the use of drones during the rescue effort, Mr Zelensky said: "There is simply no deeper cynicism, meanness, and hatred of people than that which Russia now embodies."

He expressed gratitude to a number of European countries and their foreign ministers for swiftly condemning the assault and backing Ukraine.

Express.co.uk has contacted the US Embassy in Ukraine for comment.