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Poland Accuses Putin of Mocking Trump with Deadly Sumy Attack
Sumy, Ukraine – A leading Polish diplomat has asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin isDeriding former US President Donald Trump through a lethal assault on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. Radek Sikorski, Poland’s Foreign Minister, characterized the recent attack as “Russia’s mocking answer” to Kyiv’s agreement to a proposed cessation of hostilities put forward by the Trump administration over a month prior.
Polish Diplomat Condemns Attack as Disregard for Peace Efforts
Speaking at a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Minister Sikorski expressed his viewpoint: “I trust that President Trump, and the US administration, perceive that the Russian leader is ridiculing their expressed goodwill, and I anticipate that appropriate decisions will be made.” Ukrainian authorities have reported that two ballistic missiles impacted the center of Sumy on Sunday, resulting in at least 34 fatalities, including two children, and 119 injuries. This marks the second significant attack resulting in civilian deaths in Ukraine in slightly over a week. Prior to this, a missile assault on Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claimed the lives of approximately 20 individuals, including nine children, on April 4.
Zelensky Urges International Response to Sumy Strike
President Zelensky has appealed for a global response to the Sumy attack, stating that the initial missile struck university buildings and the subsequent one detonated above street level. In a social media communication, he conveyed: “Solely tangible pressure on Russia can halt this. We require concrete sanctions targeting the sectors that fund the Russian war machine.”
Finland and France Echo Condemnation and Call for Stricter Sanctions
Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, observed that the Sumy attack transpired shortly after Mr. Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, engaged in discussions with Putin in Saint Petersburg.
Minister Valtonen stated that the incident demonstrates “Russia exhibiting utter contempt for the peace process, alongside Russia displaying complete disregard for human life.”
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserted that the attack highlights Putin’s lack of intention to consent to a ceasefire. He advocated for the European Union to “implement the most stringent sanctions against Russia to cripple its economy and impede its capacity to sustain its war endeavors.”
The EU has enacted 16 sets of sanctions against Russia and is currently deliberating a 17th, however, reaching consensus on these measures is becoming increasingly challenging due to their repercussions on European economies.
Germany and Lithuania Advocate for Stronger Action
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-designate, denounced the Sumy attack as “a grave war crime.” He reiterated previous appeals for the provision of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, a measure opposed by current Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Lithuania’s top diplomat, Kestutis Budrys, echoed Kyiv’s unconfirmed allegation that the Russian strike involved cluster munitions targeting civilians, labeling it “a war crime by definition.”
He commented: “This represents, yet again, a humiliation to all who invest diplomatic efforts to cease this conflict and secure at least a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations.”
“This juncture necessitates us demonstrating not only our unity but also our dedication,” he added. “Otherwise, we are not functioning as an organization but rather as individual nations.”
Kremlin Denies Civilian Targeting, Claims Military Objective
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that Russia exclusively targets military objectives. Russia’s Defence Ministry maintained that the strike aimed at a gathering of high-ranking military officers.
The Ministry further accused Kyiv of employing civilians as human shields by conducting military meetings within the center of Sumy. It alleged to have eliminated over 60 troops, but presented no evidence to substantiate these claims.
Trump Expresses Regret, Calls War “Horrible”
Mr. Trump stated on Sunday that he was endeavoring to halt the war. He informed reporters: “I believe it was dreadful and I was informed they committed an error, but I deem it a horrifying matter. I consider the entire war to be a horrifying matter.”