Kyiv, (Ukraine) April 13: A Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has become the deadliest attack of the year, claiming the lives of at least 21 people, according to a CNN report citing local authorities.
The attack took place as residents gathered for Sunday church services, marking a solemn Christian occasion—Palm Sunday. Ukraine’s Interior Minister confirmed that at least 83 people were injured, including seven children, in what is now considered the most devastating assault on Ukrainian civilians since 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the strike and expressed his grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life—residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street... And that’s on the day when people go to church—Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem,” Zelenskyy wrote.
He added, “According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this—taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene.”
In the same message, the Ukrainian leader called for a stronger international response:
“The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe—everyone who wants this war and these killings to end. Russia is using terror and prolonging this war. Without increased pressure on Russia, peace remains out of reach. Talks alone cannot stop ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is the kind of attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, echoed the president’s sentiments, highlighting the timing of the attack and Russia’s continued rejection of peace proposals.
“Just now, on the morning of Palm Sunday, as believers went to church to celebrate the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, Russia launched a horrific attack on a residential area of Sumy. Many civilians have been killed and injured. Launching such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolute evil,” Sybiha wrote on X.
He also revealed that Russia has once again declined a U.S.-backed proposal for a full ceasefire, which Ukraine had unconditionally accepted on March 11.
“For the second month in a row, Russia has refused to accept the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire. Instead, it continues to escalate its campaign of terror. We urge our partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems and to increase pressure on Moscow. Strength is the only language they understand—and the only path to ending this horror,” he added.
(With agency inputs)
