Tragedy in Sumy: U.S. condemns Russian missile strike
"The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy," wrote U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the X platform.
What do you need to know?
- Attack on Sumy: On Sunday morning, Russian forces launched an attack on the city of Sumy in Ukraine, firing two ballistic missiles. Thirty-four people were killed, and 117 were injured, including 15 children.
- The attack took place in the city centre while residents were participating in Palm Sunday celebrations. It was the second massive attack by Russia on Ukrainian civilians this month.
- The mayor of Konotop blames the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, who organized an award ceremony, for the massacre.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that this is a "tragic reminder" showing why President Donald Trump’s administration is striving to end the war.
Attack on Sumy. United States' reaction
"The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy," wrote Rubio on the X platform. "This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his Administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace," he added.
Kellogg on the attack on Sumy: This crosses all lines of decency
Earlier, the shelling, which left 34 people dead, was also condemned by the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine, retired General Keith Kellogg.
"Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilian dead and wounded," he also wrote on the X platform.
The attack on Sumy occurred two days after a meeting between U.S. Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Trump administration has not yet released an official statement from this meeting.
