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Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Sumy, Ukraine, Causing Numerous Casualties
A devastating Russian attack on the center of Sumy, Ukraine, has resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals and left 84 wounded, including 10 children, according to Ukrainian authorities. The missile strike has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for international action.
Details of the Missile Attack
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the assault as a “horrific strike by Russian ballistic missiles” targeting “an ordinary city street, ordinary life.” He asserted that without increased international pressure, “Russia will continue to prolong this war.”
Two Iskander-variant ballistic missiles impacted the area around Sumy State University and its congress center at approximately 10:15 local time (08:15 GMT).
The aftermath of the attack revealed scenes of devastation, with graphic images and videos showing bodies in the streets surrounding the missile impact zone. Tragically, at least two children were among the fatalities.
Widespread Damage and Civilian Impact
Ukrainian authorities reported that the Russian missile attack damaged approximately 20 buildings. The destruction encompassed four educational institutions, 10 vehicles and trams, alongside cafes, shops, and five apartment buildings, highlighting the extensive civilian impact of the strike.
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President Zelensky’s Call for Strong Global Response
Zelensky urged a robust global response to the aggression, stating that “talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs.” He appealed to the United States, Europe, and the global community, emphasizing that “Russia seeks this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Peace is unattainable without pressure on the aggressor.”
He stressed the critical importance of global solidarity, imploring, “It is very important for everyone in the world not to remain silent, not to remain indifferent.”
According to BBC Ukrainian, the university’s congress center, a known “educational hub for the entire city,” is frequently utilized for children’s classes and is “actively rented out for various courses, clubs, and master classes” by local residents.
International Condemnation and Calls for Ceasefire
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha denounced the timing of the attack on Palm Sunday, a major Christian holiday. “Many civilians have been killed and injured. Launching such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolute evil,” he conveyed on social media platform X.
Sybiha stated that detailed information regarding this “war crime” was being shared with international partners and institutions. He highlighted Russia’s continued rejection of a US proposal for a full ceasefire, which Ukraine had accepted on March 11, accusing Russia of escalating terror tactics.
EU and French Leaders Join Condemnation
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, also reacted via X, describing the attack on Palm Sunday worshippers as a “horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the urgency of imposing a ceasefire on Russia in light of the Sumy strikes.
Context of US-Russia Diplomatic Engagement
This attack occurred following a meeting in St Petersburg between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
The Kremlin indicated that the meeting, lasting over four hours and described as “productive” by Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, focused on “aspects of a Ukrainian settlement.” This marked Witkoff’s third meeting with Putin this year.