At least 31 killed in horrific Russian missile strike in Sumy
- Russian forces targeted Sumy with ballistic missiles, killing at least 31 people and injuring over 80.
- The attack took place on April 12, during a busy morning when many were attending church services for Palm Sunday.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a terror act and called for global action against Russia.
On April 12, 2025, a city in Ukraine experienced a devastating attack when Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Ukrainian officials reported that two missiles struck the center of the city during a busy morning, coinciding with Palm Sunday services. In this assault, at least 31 individuals lost their lives, with another 83 sustaining injuries, among them several children. The missiles hit multiple sites in a location known for its bustling community life, with victims suffering injuries on streets, in vehicles, and within homes. Following the attacks, officials characterized this incident as one of the deadliest single strikes in recent memory, highlighting the grim toll of the ongoing conflict. Videos from the scene showed emergency responders working to aid victims amidst a backdrop of destruction, with burning vehicles and debris littering the streets. The tragic nature of the attack, occurring on a significant religious holiday, added depth to the community's grief and anger. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the actions of the Russian military, describing them as acts of terror against civilians. He signaled a pressing need for increased global intervention and response, aligning with calls for an international stance against such brutality. This strike comes at a time when diplomatic relations between the two nations have been strained, and accusations of violating ceasefire agreements have been levied by both sides. As Zelensky pointed out, the international community must recognize the extent of violence perpetrated against ordinary Ukrainians, and he emphasized that without sustained pressure on Russia, peaceful negotiations remain elusive. The situation in Sumy has underscored the urgent need for global action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis as well as the reality of warfare that continues to claim lives and inflict suffering on civilians. The attack marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, drawing attention to the need for serious dialogue to end hostilities.