KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A tragic missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday resulted in the deaths of more than 20 individuals, according to local officials. The attack involved two ballistic missiles that targeted the heart of the city at approximately 10:15 a.m., coinciding with Palm Sunday celebrations. Videos shared on official channels depicted horrific scenes of bodies strewn across the ground amidst debris and smoke that engulfed central Sumy.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar expressed the community's sorrow in a social media statement, confirming the loss of more than 20 lives. The Prosecutor General's Office later reported that at least 21 people had perished due to the attack, while the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, revealed that 83 others sustained injuries, including seven children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing rescue operations and emphasized that "dozens" had been killed in this brutal missile assault.
Condemning the attack, Zelenskyy stated that only "filthy scum" could perpetrate such violence against ordinary civilians. He called for a global response to the act of aggression, asserting that ballistic missiles and aerial bombs would not be deterred by diplomatic talks alone. The President urged for a stance towards Russia that reflects the actions of a terrorist state.
This missile strike occurred shortly after a diplomatic exchange between Russian and Ukrainian top diplomats, who accused one another of breaching a tentative U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at pausing strikes on energy infrastructure. The tension between the two nations was palpable as their foreign ministers addressed the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which took place shortly after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about potential peace prospects.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had been attacking Russia consistently and suggested that Moscow would compile a list of Kyiv's assaults over the preceding weeks to submit to the U.S., Turkey, and international organizations. In contrast, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha passionately refuted these allegations, asserting that Russia had launched "almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 (exploding) drones, and over 6,000 guided aerial bombs" against Ukraine since the tentative pause was agreed upon, primarily targeting civilian areas.
The events in Sumy highlight the chaotic and tragic landscape of the ongoing conflict, which is now entering its third year. As both sides grapple with claims and counterclaims, the toll on civilian life mounts with painful precision, calling into question the efficacy of diplomatic efforts in ceasing hostilities and protecting innocent lives.
For continued updates on the war in Ukraine, you can follow ongoing coverage through authoritative news sources.
