U.S. stance on G7 statement on Sumy attack sparks debate

• The U.S. decided not to support the G7 statement condemning the attack on Sumy to keep the possibility of negotiations with Russia open.
• Various representatives of the U.S. administration expressed different opinions about the attack, ranging from "horrifying" to "a result of a mistake."
• Russia admitted to the attack, claiming it targeted Ukrainian commanders, though the casualties were civilians.

According to information provided by Bloomberg, the U.S. authorities refused to sign the G7 statement condemning the Russian attack on Sumy. The statement indicated that the attack on Sumy showed how determined Russia is to continue the war.

According to the agency, which cites sources involved in diplomatic correspondence, representatives of Donald Trump's administration informed allies that the United States would not sign the joint statement because they are "working to maintain room for negotiating peace."

Thirty-four people, including two children, were killed in the Russian missile attack on Sumy. Over 120 people were injured, including 15 children. The attack caused international outrage and condemnation, but reactions within the U.S. administration varied.

Special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg called the attack "beyond all bounds of decency," suggesting civilians were targeted. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the attack as "horrifying" and emphasized the need for peace. President Donald Trump, on the other hand, stated that the attack was the result of a Russian mistake, placing some blame on Ukraine and his predecessor Joe Biden.

Pastor Mark Burns, a spiritual advisor to Trump, called Vladimir Putin "pure evil" after the Sumy attack. He condemned the bombing of a church on Palm Sunday as an assault on humanity and faith, urging accountability and the cessation of atrocities.

Source: PAP/WP