U.S. Condemns Russia's ‘Barbaric’ Missile Attack In Dnipro, Pledges Accountability

The White House on Tuesday called Russia’s missile strike on a residential building in Dnipro, which claimed at least 45 lives and wounded many more, 'barbaric,' and pledged accountability, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

“We will continue our work to hold Russian forces accountable for the atrocities that they've caused and also the war crimes,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told a press briefing.

The Russians, she said, "underestimate the strength and the courage and the resolve of the Ukrainian people," and they "will be proven wrong again in their latest attempts."

Jean-Pierre's comments came as President Biden met with Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Oval Office where the two leaders discussed "efforts to hold Russia accountable for its abuses and for the war crimes committed by Russian forces,” according to a White House readout of the meeting.

iThe Netherlands also plans to send a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, PM Rutte confirmed. "We have the intention to join what you are doing with Germany on the Patriot project, so the air defense system. I think that it's important we join that and I discussed it also this morning with Olaf Scholz of Germany," he said.

Biden also on Tuesday spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about ways to aid Ukraine, according to a White House readout of the call. "The leaders discussed their steadfast support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression."

In the meantime, Ukrainian troops this week have arrived at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and started training on the Patriot missile system, the Pentagon’s confirmed Tuesday. 

“Training has begun" Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said. "Training will last for several months and train upwards of 90 to 100 Ukrainians on use of the Patriot missile system," he added.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.