Ukraine Condemns Russian Missile Strike on Sumy During Palm Sunday Celebrations

On the morning of Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Ukrainian city of Sumy was struck by two Russian ballistic missiles, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 civilians and injuring 34 others, including five children. The attack occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time, targeting the city's central area as residents gathered for religious observances.

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the attack, labeling it a "war crime" and highlighting its occurrence during a significant Christian holiday. He emphasized that Ukraine had accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire on March 11, which Russia has refused, instead escalating its attacks on civilian areas. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also denounced the strike, calling for a stronger international response and increased support for Ukraine's air defense capabilities. He stated that "talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs," urging the global community to treat Russia as a terrorist state. citeturn0search0

The attack on Sumy underscores the ongoing challenges in negotiating a ceasefire and the continued threat to civilian populations in Ukraine.