Ukraine is in mourning following a ballistic missile attack on the city of Sumy by Russia, which resulted in at least 35 deaths, including children, and 119 injuries. The attack took place on Palm Sunday, when many residents were gathered at religious buildings in the central part of the city. Emergency services were quick to respond, battling fires and clearing rubble in the aftermath of the devastating attack. Memorials have been set up in honour of the victims, and many people have laid flowers to pay their respects.
The international community has condemned the attack on Sumy as a war crime. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski described the strikes as Russia’s response to Kyiv’s agreement to a ceasefire proposed by the United States. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen highlighted the disregard that Russia has shown for human life through this attack, especially coming just after talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the international response but stressed the need for more pressure on Moscow to bring an end to the war, calling for tangible sanctions against those who finance Russia’s military efforts.
In his address following the attack, President Zelenskyy expressed concern that Russian state propagandists are preparing their audience for the failure of negotiations and diplomacy. He emphasized the lack of fear in Moscow and warned that without sufficient pressure on Russia, they will continue their aggressive actions. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, on the other hand, claimed that the missiles were targeting Ukrainian military commanders and their Western colleagues in Sumy. The Russian defense ministry also alleged that over 60 troops were killed in the attack, without providing any evidence to support their claims.
The attack on Sumy has shaken Ukraine and the world, leading to calls for increased pressure on Russia to stop the violence. President Zelenskyy has stressed the need for concrete actions to deter Moscow’s aggression and protect civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community has shown solidarity with Ukraine in condemning the attack and calling for justice. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is clear that a diplomatic solution must be pursued with urgency to prevent further loss of life and destruction. The people of Sumy and all of Ukraine deserve peace and security, and the perpetrators of this heinous attack must be held accountable for their actions.
