On Sunday, April 13, Russia launched a missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 100 injuries. The attack occurred around 10:20 am local time, coinciding with Palm Sunday celebrations, and is the deadliest assault on Ukrainian civilians this year.
Two Iskander-M ballistic missiles struck Sumy’s city center, targeting areas where civilians had gathered for religious services. Among the casualties was Olena Kohut, a renowned organist with the Sumy Regional Philharmonic Orchestra. The attack also destroyed multiple buildings and vehicles, including a trolleybus carrying passengers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as an act of terrorism and called for a strong international response. He invited former US President Donald Trump to come and witness the devastation firsthand. Global leaders, including those from Germany, Britain, and Italy, also condemned the attack, with some labeling it a war crime.
This attack follows similar strikes in other Ukrainian cities, highlighting the continued escalation of the conflict despite ongoing international peace efforts. Sumy has declared three days of mourning in response to the tragedy.
Image: Ukrainian Emergency Service
