Dozens killed in Russian missile strike on Sumy during Palm Sunday

Uncategorized , / Sunday, April 13th, 2025

rki.news
Sumy, Ukraine, April 13, At least 34 civilians, including two children, were killed and over 117 injured in a Russian ballistic missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, as residents gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that two missiles struck the city center, hitting residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar described the attack as a “terrible tragedy,” saying, “On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible loss.”
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, said the missiles used cluster munitions, designed to inflict maximum civilian casualties. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as a “terrible blow to ordinary life,” emphasizing that the missiles targeted homes, educational institutions, and civilian vehicles.
“This is the act of a scoundrel. Only pressure on the aggressor can bring peace,” Zelenskyy stated. “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles. Russia must be treated like the terrorist it behaves as.”
International leaders swiftly condemned the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron called it “a blatant disregard for human life and international law,” stressing France’s continued push for a ceasefire. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described it as “Russia’s version of a ceasefire.”
Keith Kellogg, Ukraine envoy under former U.S. President Donald Trump, also denounced the assault. “As a former military leader, I understand targeting—and this is wrong. President Trump is working hard to end this war,” he wrote.
A rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency teams working to retrieve victims and assist the injured.