Russian airstrike in Sumy: Over 30 dead, Zelensky demands strong global response
A Russian airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, located in the northeast near the Russian border, has claimed over 30 lives, including two children, and left dozens injured. The attack occurred on Palm Sunday, a significant religious day for the local population. According to the State Emergency Service (DSNS), at least 84 people were injured, including seven children. The wounded were found in streets, cars, public transport, and homes.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klimenko reported that several ballistic missiles hit the city center, a densely populated area, as people were commemorating Palm Sunday. He urged residents to avoid the area to facilitate evacuation and provide medical care.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, emphasizing that it occurred in a peaceful neighborhood, where civilians were going about their daily lives. He called for a strong international response to Russian President Putin’s actions, stating, "Only a bastard could act like this, taking the lives of ordinary people."
Zelensky further insisted on the need for pressure on Russia, arguing that peace is impossible without it. He also pointed out that talks have never stopped Russia’s missile and bomb attacks and that Russia’s actions amount to terrorism.
European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, condemned the Russian attack, calling the scenes in Sumy heartbreaking. She stated that this attack exemplified Russia’s intensifying aggression, despite Ukraine’s acceptance of an unconditional ceasefire.
The Sumy region, which borders Russia’s Kursk province, has been a site of heavy military activity. Ukrainian forces crossed into Kursk in August 2024, and Russia has launched a spring offensive targeting Sumy and neighboring Kharkiv regions. President Zelensky mentioned that over 67,000 Russian soldiers are now stationed in the Kursk direction.
The attack coincides with ongoing negotiations involving the U.S. to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but no agreement has been reached. Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire last month, but Russia has refused to comply. Current agreements on energy and maritime truce for the Black Sea have not been implemented either.
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