Russian missiles hit Ukraine’s Sumy during Palm Sunday, killing 34 civilians in what international leaders condemned as a horrific escalation in the ongoing conflict.
At a Glance
- Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people including two children and wounding 117 others
- The attack involved two ballistic missiles and reportedly used cluster munitions, though this has not been verified by the Associated Press
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling Russia a “terrorist state” while international leaders expressed outrage
- Russia launched another strike on Sumy as residents were paying tribute to victims of the Sunday attack
- The attacks occurred amid mutual accusations between Russia and Ukraine of violating a U.S.-brokered energy infrastructure ceasefire
Deadly Palm Sunday Attack Shocks Ukraine
The northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy became the site of a devastating Russian missile strike on Palm Sunday, resulting in at least 34 deaths, including two children, while injuring 117 others. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack involved two ballistic missiles that reportedly contained cluster munitions, though the Associated Press could not independently verify this claim. The missiles struck a residential area during Orthodox Palm Sunday celebrations, catching many civilians unaware as they went about their weekend activities.
This attack follows a disturbing pattern of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine. Just days earlier, a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, killed at least 19 people. Additional Russian attacks were also reported in Ukraine’s Kherson and Donetsk regions, resulting in more civilian casualties. In Kharkiv, another Russian strike damaged a kindergarten, though fortunately no casualties were reported in that incident.
World Leaders Condemn Russian Aggression
In the aftermath of the devastating attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions in the strongest terms. “Only filthy scum can act like this — taking the lives of ordinary people,” Zelenskyy stated, calling for a strong global response against what he characterized as a terrorist state. The President’s words reflected the shock and outrage felt by many Ukrainians and international observers at the timing and brutality of the attack.
French President Emmanuel Macron joined in the condemnation, criticizing the attack as undermining peace talks and highlighting Russia’s disregard for human lives and international law. In a statement that placed responsibility firmly on Moscow, Macron asserted, “Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it — with blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts,” said Macron.
American Response and Further Escalation
U.S. President Trump responded to the attack, expressing condolences while noting he had been told “they made a mistake.” Trump stated, “I think it was terrible and I was told they made a mistake, but I think it’s a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing.” Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who serves as Trump’s Special Envoy, was more direct, condemning the attack as crossing “any line of decency.”
In a disturbing development, Russia launched yet another missile attack on Sumy as residents were gathering to pay tribute to the victims of Sunday’s attack. This follow-up strike represents a troubling escalation and occurred against the backdrop of ongoing accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding violations of a U.S.-brokered agreement to pause strikes on energy infrastructure. At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha traded accusations regarding these attacks.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The Sumy attacks highlight the persistent humanitarian crisis facing Ukrainian civilians as the war continues into its third year. With infrastructure repeatedly targeted and civilian casualties mounting, the toll on everyday Ukrainians continues to grow. The targeting of a city during a religious holiday has particularly shocked observers, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to maximize civilian casualties during a time when many would be gathered in public.
As rescue operations continue in Sumy, the international community faces renewed pressure to respond to what Ukrainian officials are describing as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The attack serves as a stark reminder that despite diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives, the conflict in Ukraine remains volatile with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
