At least 32 people tragically lost their lives, and over 84 others, including 10 children, sustained injuries in a devastating missile attack on the heart of Sumy, Ukraine, according to local authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, describing it as a "terrible strike by Russian ballistic missiles" that shattered the everyday life of the region. The two Iskander-class ballistic missiles struck around 10:15 a.m. local time, targeting areas near Sumy State University and its nearby congress center.
In the hours following the attack, harrowing images surfaced, depicting chaotic scenes with bodies lying in the streets where the missiles landed. Among the fatalities were at least two children, deepening the tragedy of the incident. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the attack damaged 20 buildings, including four schools and five residential complexes, alongside a range of businesses.
President Zelensky urged the international community to respond decisively, emphasizing that "without pressure, Russia will persist in this conflict." He highlighted the necessity for global solidarity in the face of such aggression, stating, "It is crucial for everyone worldwide not to stay silent nor indifferent." The attack occurred on Palm Sunday, prompting further outrage from Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who deemed it "absolute evil" to target civilians on a significant religious holiday.
The events have drawn widespread condemnation, with European Union foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, and French President Emmanuel Macron calling attention to the urgency for a ceasefire. The attack follows a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, escalating tensions further as Russia appears to continue its military operations in Ukraine despite proposals for peace.
