Ukraine condemns deadly Sumy strike: Global leaders respond
The strike occurred right in the city centre on Palm Sunday. "Only an absolutely degenerate entity could do something like this," said the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky referred again to Russia's bloody attack on the city of Sumy in his evening speech.
What you need to know
- Attack on Sumy: On Sunday morning, Russian forces carried out an attack on the city of Sumy in Ukraine, launching two ballistic missiles. Thirty-four people were killed, and 117 were injured, including 15 children.
- The attack occurred in the city centre, as residents were participating in Palm Sunday celebrations. This was the second mass attack on Ukrainian civilians by Russia this month.
- The Mayor of Konotop blames the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, who organized the medal ceremony, for the massacre.
Zelensky, in a video posted on social media, offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
He confirmed that the Russians attacked Sumy with two ballistic missiles. The first struck a building—one of the university facilities. The second exploded almost directly over the street. Thirty-four people were killed. One hundred and seventeen were injured, including children.
“The strike took place right in the city centre. On Palm Sunday. Only an absolutely degenerate entity could do something like this,” Zelensky said.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that many state leaders, diplomats, and ordinary people with big hearts conveyed their condolences to Ukraine and Ukrainians.
“They condemned the Russian attack. Statements have already been made by leaders and heads of government from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland, Poland, and also representatives of the European Union, the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia. I also thank the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Bulgaria, the President of Moldova, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the President of Slovakia, and the Prime Minister of Sweden. I am confident that support will also come from many other leaders,” he said.
Zelensky reminded that last Friday marked exactly one month since Russia rejected the American proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.
“They are not afraid. And because of that—ballistic missiles. That's why almost a hundred attack drones fly in every night, most of which are Shaheds, and against regular Ukrainian cities,” he emphasized.
He admitted that Russian assaults on the front continue. “The enemy does not stop attacking and does not stop spreading hatred in its state propaganda. Only pressure and decisive actions can change this. Every Russian ballistic missile, every cruise missile, every Shahed, and every guided bomb strikes not only our people, our communities but also the diplomacy and politics of everyone truly trying to end this war. We will do everything we can to continue protecting people and lives,” he assured.
