'Terrible mistake, not accident': Democratic Senator Kaine on Trump’s Sumy strike remarks

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine informed about the diplomat's visit.

"We are pleased to welcome Senator Tim Kaine to Kyiv today," the message reads.

Later, Kaine held a press conference at Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv, reports Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko. The senator commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that the Russian strike on Sumy on April 13, which killed 35 people, was a "mistake."

"So, my first statement is that President Trump is right. This was a serious mistake, but it was not an accident. This was a terrible mistake, but it was not an accident. The mistake was that Russia should never have done this. Russia should not have attacked civilians on Palm Sunday, and I don't think they can claim that it was just an accident," Kaine said.

He emphasized that the Russian strike on Sumy could not be considered an "accident," as recent enemy attacks have deliberately targeted civilians, Code Playgrounds, city centers on Palm Sunday, people going to church, and children's hospitals.

"They know what they're doing, and it raises real questions about their integrity at a time when we should be discussing a ceasefire," he said.

The senator added that no one deserves a ceasefire on fair terms more than the Ukrainian people, urging support for efforts to achieve one.

"Events, including yesterday's strike, make me question the good faith of Russia's interest in a ceasefire, but I hope I'm wrong. They should prove me wrong by demonstrating a genuine interest in achieving a ceasefire," Kaine said.

Patriot systems for Ukraine

During the press conference, the senator also addressed the issue of Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.

"I believe it is necessary to support Ukraine in every way possible in air defense, and obviously, Patriot systems are an excellent air defense mechanism. The United States is not the only country that has them. Other countries have them, and sometimes nations provide different parts of the system," Kaine said.

He stressed that the U.S. must do its part "to prevent this from happening again."

"Whether it's all from the U.S. or from the U.S. and its allies, I will leave the specifics of the weapons systems to be discussed by our military leadership. However, I am committed to ensuring that the investment in Ukrainian air defense is substantial," he added.

For reference. Timothy Michael Kaine has been a member of the U.S. Senate from Virginia since 2013. He served as Governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010 and as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2009 to 2011.