Kyyiv: A devastating Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy claimed the lives of more than 20 people Sunday morning, Ukrainian officials reported.
The attack occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. when two ballistic missiles hit the city center as residents gathered to mark Palm Sunday. Videos shared through official channels revealed scenes of destruction, smoke, and lifeless bodies strewn across central Sumy.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar expressed sorrow on social media, calling the incident a “terrible tragedy” for the community. “This bright Palm Sunday has turned into a day of mourning,” he stated, confirming over 20 fatalities.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, at least 21 people were confirmed dead, with another 83 wounded, including seven children. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also shared these figures online.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, describing it as a horrific act targeting innocent civilians. He emphasized the need for international action, stating, “Only those devoid of any humanity can do such a thing. The world must respond — words alone cannot stop ballistic missiles.”
The strike came shortly after tensions flared over a fragile U.S.-mediated understanding to limit strikes on energy infrastructure. Both Ukraine and Russia accused each other of breaching the deal, with their top diplomats exchanging blame during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Ukraine had continuously attacked Russian targets, while Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered, accusing Russia of launching an overwhelming number of attacks on civilians, including nearly 70 missiles and thousands of drones and bombs in recent weeks.
