Ukraine says at least 34 killed by Russian missile strike on Sumy

ISTANBUL

Ukraine said Sunday that at least 34 people were killed by a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, located around 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) from the Russian border.

A statement on Telegram by Ukraine's State Emergency Service said those killed in the attack included two children.

The service also reported that the number of injured had risen to 117, including 15 children, and that search and rescue operations at the scene continue.

“On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy. The enemy launched a missile strike on civilians. Unfortunately, more than 20 deaths are already known,” acting Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar said earlier on Telegram, mentioning the special day for Christians ahead of Easter.

The Sumy City Council later announced that three days of mourning have been declared in the northeastern region starting on Monday.

In two separate statements on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the world to "not stay silent or indifferent" to the attacks, saying such strikes deserve "nothing but condemnation."

Zelenskyy also reiterated the need to further pressure Russia as well as to provide Ukraine security guarantees.

He claimed that in the absence of pressure and sufficient support for Ukraine, Moscow will continue to drag out the conflict.

"Unfortunately, there in Moscow, they are convinced they can keep killing with impunity. Action is needed to change this situation," he added.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also said on X that Russia refused to accept a US proposal for a full ceasefire for the second month in a row, even though Kyiv unconditionally accepted the proposal on March 11.

"Instead, Russia ramps up its terror. We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow," Sybiha said, arguing that strength is the only language Moscow can understand.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence claimed that the attack on Sumy was carried out using two Iskander-M ballistic missiles launched from Russia's Voronezh and Kursk regions, respectively.

Russian authorities have not immediately commented on the attack or the claim.

- EU leaders condemn attack

European leaders expressed their strong condemnation of the strike. Zelenskyy thanked Ukraine’s allies for their solidarity and support.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia is “solely responsible” for the war and its continuation, accusing Moscow of ignoring international law and “the diplomatic efforts of (US) President (Donald) Trump.” He called for strong measures to impose a ceasefire and reaffirmed France’s commitment to Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and stressed that “President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace,” calling on Russia to agree to a “full and immediate ceasefire without conditions.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the attack as “barbaric” and stressed that Russia “remains the aggressor in blatant violation of international law.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the images from Sumy “horrific” and said the assault showed the reality of Russia’s intentions.

“Russia continues its war of aggression without mercy,” he said, urging a comprehensive ceasefire.

Similar outrage came from Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Russian President Vladimir “Putin shows Russia’s true face,” while Estonian President Alar Karis called the strike “heartbreaking.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized the need to bolster Ukrainian air defenses and “increase pressure on Russia.”

Former US National Security Advisor Keith Kellogg called the strike “beyond decency,” saying that “as a former military leader, I understand targeting, and this is wrong.”

He added that President Trump is “working hard to end this war.”