A Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy resulted in at least 34 deaths and more than 100 injuries, as confirmed by news agencies. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, this Sunday’s attack is one of the deadliest the country has faced this year.
"A terrible Russian attack with ballistic missiles in Sumy. Enemy missiles hit an ordinary street in the city, an ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street... And this on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem," wrote the leader on his X account, accompanied by devastating images that reveal the extent of the tragedy.
According to preliminary data, two ballistic missiles struck around 10:15 am. Images from the scene showed rows of black body bags alongside the road, with more bodies wrapped in aluminum foil blankets scattered among the debris.
The photos and videos also show the firefighters battling to extinguish the remains of burned-out cars among the rubble of the damaged buildings.
Among the deceased were two children, according to a statement from the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. Another 117 people were injured, including 15 infants.
"Only the bastards can do this. Take the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and friends. The rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working," Zelenski wrote, calling for the cooperation of his allies to halt the massacre.
"We need a strong response from the world, the United States, Europe, everyone who wants this war and this slaughter to end. Russia precisely wants this type of terror and is prolonging this war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible," he emphasized in his post.
Ukrainian authorities informed the BBC that 20 buildings were damaged, including four educational institutions, as well as cafes, stores, and five apartment buildings. Ten cars and trams were also affected.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the United States special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg for four hours of closed-door talks. The meeting came after President Donald Trump urged Witkoff to "initiate" a ceasefire to end the war.
Neither Moscow nor Witkoff, who later traveled to Oman to hold discussions with Iran, revealed details of the meeting. Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that his country must be involved in any conversations about its future.
The Ukrainian president has denounced that Russia continues to violate the ceasefire and is attacking his country's infrastructure, despite the commitments made by Vladimir Putin with Donald Trump.
Just hours after Putin and Trump discussed a 30-day ceasefire to halt the attacks on energy facilities, Ukraine experienced a wave of bombardments.
In Slovyansk, in the Donetsk region, a Russian attack destroyed part of the electrical network, leaving thousands of citizens without service. In Kramatorsk, explosions in residential areas caused destruction and panic among the residents.
Frequently asked questions about the Russian attack in Sumy and the situation in Ukraine
What happened in the Russian attack in Sumy?
The Russian attack in Sumy resulted in at least 34 deaths and more than 80 injuries. It was a ballistic missile attack that struck a street in the city, damaging homes, educational institutions, and vehicles. This incident has been described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as one of the deadliest of the year.
How has Ukraine reacted to the attack in Sumy and the violation of the ceasefire?
Ukraine has denounced that Russia continues to violate the ceasefire. Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a firm response from the international community to pressure Russia and has emphasized that without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. The attack in Sumy is an example of Russia's ongoing aggression despite ceasefire commitments.
What role do the United States and Europe play in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
The United States and Europe have played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine. However, recent developments involving direct negotiations between the United States and Russia, excluding Ukraine, have raised concerns. Zelensky has emphasized that his country must be included in any discussions regarding its future and has urged his allies to maintain pressure on Russia to achieve lasting peace.
What are the consequences of the Russian attack in Sumy in the context of the war?
The attack in Sumy exacerbates the humanitarian and security situation in Ukraine. This attack, along with other similar incidents, reinforces the perception that Russia is maintaining a strategy of terror by prolonging the war. International pressure and military support for Ukraine are essential to confront the extension of the conflict and its devastating consequences for the civilian population.
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