An assault by Russian forces on the Ukrainian city of Sumy has resulted in at least 34 fatalities and over 100 injuries, as confirmed by news agencies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Sunday's incident as one of the deadliest attacks the nation has faced this year.
"A horrific Russian missile attack on Sumy. Enemy missiles struck a typical city street, disrupting everyday life: homes, educational institutions, cars on the street... And on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem," Zelensky shared on his X account, accompanied by harrowing images depicting the tragedy's scale.
Preliminary reports indicate that two ballistic missiles struck around 10:15 am. Images from the scene showed rows of black body bags lining the roadside, with more bodies wrapped in foil blankets scattered among the debris. Photos and videos also captured firefighters battling flames from charred vehicles amidst the rubble of damaged buildings.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the deceased included two children. An additional 117 individuals were injured, among them 15 minors. "Only bastards could do this. Taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and friends. The rescue operation is ongoing. All necessary services are working," Zelensky expressed, urging allies to help end the massacre.
"We need a strong global response—United States, Europe, everyone who wants this war and slaughter to end. Russia desires this kind of terror and is prolonging the war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible," he stressed in his post.
Ukrainian authorities informed the BBC that 20 buildings sustained damage, including four educational institutions, cafes, stores, and five apartment complexes. Additionally, ten cars and trams were affected.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg for four hours of closed-door talks. The meeting followed President Donald Trump's urging for Witkoff to "initiate" a ceasefire to end the war. Neither Moscow nor Witkoff, who later traveled to Oman for discussions with Iran, disclosed meeting details. Zelensky has consistently emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's involvement in any discussions about its future.
The Ukrainian leader has condemned Russia for continuing to violate the ceasefire and targeting the nation's infrastructure, despite Putin's commitments to Trump. Just hours after Putin and Trump discussed a 30-day truce to halt attacks on energy facilities, Ukraine was barraged with bombings.
In Slovyansk, within the Donetsk region, a Russian attack damaged part of the power grid, leaving thousands without service. In Kramatorsk, explosions in residential areas caused destruction and panic among residents.
Key Questions About the Conflict in Ukraine
What was the outcome of the Russian missile strike on Sumy?
The missile strike resulted in at least 34 deaths and over 100 injuries, including two children.
How has President Zelensky responded to the attack?
President Zelensky condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims' families and calling for global action to stop Russian aggression.
What impact did the attack have on infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities?
In Slovyansk, the power grid was damaged, and in Kramatorsk, explosions caused panic and destruction in residential areas.