Russian ballistic missile attack struck central Sumy on Sunday morning, killing at least 34 people and injuring over 100 others during Palm Sunday celebrations.
The missiles hit around 10:15 a.m. local time (07:15 GMT), devastating a crowded area as worshippers marked the beginning of the Christian Holy Week. Emergency services fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as “horrific,” stressing that global silence must not follow such acts. He confirmed two children were among the dead and reiterated his call for intensified international pressure on Moscow.
Videos from the scene showed smoke billowing through the heart of the city, with debris littering the streets and bodies on the ground. Sumy’s acting Mayor, Artem Kobzar, called the attack a tragedy that shattered a holy day.
The strike came amid renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States to mediate a ceasefire more than three years into the conflict.
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Retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, special envoy to Ukraine under President Donald Trump, described the targeting of civilians as beyond the pale, stressing the need for moral accountability in warfare.
Trump’s aides recently held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. Trump remarked afterward that progress in negotiations may be happening, but urged decisive action, stating, “There’s a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up.”
European leaders issued swift condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia alone seeks to prolong the war, showing contempt for life and diplomacy.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni echoed those sentiments, demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of striking energy infrastructure and claimed its forces had seized a village in Donetsk region. Ukraine has not responded to the claim but has warned of a possible new Russian spring offensive.
Russia currently occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine, primarily in the east and south.
Reported by News Rangers
