Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, where residents had gathered for Sunday church services, resulted in at least 34 deaths. The attack also led to widespread reactions from European leaders.
Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the assault, writing on X, “The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible.”
He also confirmed that efforts to address the aftermath of the Russian ballistic missile strike are ongoing, with all relevant services engaged in the operation.
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, the attacks injured 117 people and caused numerous fatalities, including two children. A video shared by Zelensky showed bodies lying on a city street amid damaged vehicles.
Acting mayor Artem Kobzar expressed the community’s grief, stating, “On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy.”
The incident sparked strong reactions from European leaders. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he was “appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time.”
French President Macron condemned the attack, saying, “This morning, two Russian missiles struck the heart of the city of Sumy in Ukraine, causing numerous civilian casualties, including children once again.”
The images from the city centre of Sumy, where Russian missiles killed innocent civilians on Palm Sunday, are horrific,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, describing the scenes as “horrific.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the “unacceptable violence,” calling it contrary to peace efforts.
The attacks occurred as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Friday, where the discussions centered on a Ukrainian settlement. The Kremlin characterized the meeting as “productive.”
On April 5, another heavy Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, resulted in at least 19 deaths.
