A tragic missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, including a child, as confirmed by officials. Two ballistic missiles hit the city at approximately 10:15 AM local time while residents were gathered to observe Palm Sunday celebrations. Disturbing footage from the scene revealed numerous bodies among debris and smoke in the heart of the city.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar expressed his profound sorrow, noting the community’s devastation on what should have been a joyous day. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service reported injuries to at least 84 individuals, including seven children, with rescue operations still in progress. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the brutal attack, labelling those responsible as “filthy scum” and called on the global community to respond decisively. He argued that talks alone would not suffice in confronting the threat posed by Russia, which he characterised as a terrorist state.
This assault on Sumy occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions, as Russian and Ukrainian diplomats exchanged accusations over violations of a temporary truce agreement intended to halt strikes on energy infrastructure. The foreign ministers from both countries voiced conflicting claims at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum just prior to the strike. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Ukraine had been the aggressor, while his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha countered with evidence of Russian missile strikes targeting civilian areas since the supposed ceasefire.
The attack on Sumy marks the second major incident resulting in civilian casualties within a week, following a previous strike in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s home city, where approximately 20 people, including nine children, lost their lives. As the conflict continues to escalate, the urgency for meaningful dialogue and international intervention remains paramount.