- Two Russian ballistic missiles hit central Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations.
- At least 21 people were killed and over 20 others injured.
- The strike follows renewed tensions over a U.S.-brokered pause in attacks on infrastructure.
On Sunday morning, the Ukrainian city of Sumy was rocked by a sudden missile strike that killed at least 21 people and wounded over 20 more. The attack occurred during Palm Sunday, a major religious observance. Many civilians were out on the streets.
The timing of the attack highlights the fragility of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Just a day earlier, Russia and Ukraine’s foreign ministers had traded accusations of violating a limited ceasefire on critical infrastructure.
Missile Horror in Sumy: Russian Strike Kills 21 Amid Peace Efforts
The city of Sumy, located in northern Ukraine near the Russian border, suffered one of its deadliest attacks in recent months. Residents were participating in Palm Sunday activities when two ballistic missiles slammed into a busy street. The impact reduced nearby buildings to rubble. Emergency services described the scene as catastrophic.
Ukrainian authorities responded swiftly, deploying rescue teams and securing the blast zone. The State Emergency Service stated that the missiles struck when “many people were on the street,” emphasizing the deliberate nature of the attack. Survivors reported hearing loud explosions. Chaos ensued as smoke filled the city center.
This assault has further inflamed diplomatic tensions. On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had not honored a tentative agreement to avoid infrastructure attacks. He cited continued shelling. However, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry refuted the allegations. They revealed statistics that painted a picture of relentless Russian bombardment over the past three weeks.
International reactions are expected to escalate, especially as U.S. and Turkish mediators continue efforts to revive talks. The attack on Sumy has brought the human toll of the war back into focus. It raises questions about Russia’s intentions amid so-called peace efforts. For many Ukrainians, the Sumy tragedy is another painful reminder of the war’s unrelenting brutality.
The missile strike on Sumy underscores the growing urgency for meaningful diplomatic progress. As civilians bear the brunt of escalating hostilities, the international community faces mounting pressure. They must hold aggressors accountable and prevent further tragedies.
“Right when there were many people on the street.” – Ukraine’s State Emergency Service
