Young hero in Sumy: Boy saves passengers amid missile chaos
13-year-old Kyrylo Ilyashenko showed remarkable courage during a Russian missile attack in Sumy. Despite being injured, he rescued passengers from a burning bus.
What you need to know
- Missile attack in Sumy: On Sunday morning, the Russians launched a missile attack on the city of Sumy, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 people and injuring over 100.
- Heroic act of the 13-year-old: Kyrylo Ilyashenko, even though the bus doors were blocked, managed to escape through a broken window and assist other passengers.
- Condition of Kyrylo: The boy sustained shrapnel injuries but is under medical care. His mother was also injured; however, her life is not in danger.
How did the missile attack in Sumy occur?
On Sunday, during the celebration of Palm Sunday, the Russians carried out a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. The missiles hit the city centre, where many residents were returning from church or strolling along the boulevard. The attack led to the deaths of at least 34 people and over 100 injuries. Among the victims were passengers of the bus in which 13-year-old Kyrylo Ilyashenko was travelling.
How did Kyrylo Ilyashenko save the bus passengers?
During the attack, the bus that teenage Kyrylo was riding in caught fire, and the vehicle's doors were blocked. The boy managed to escape through a broken window and help other passengers to safety. Despite sustaining shrapnel injuries himself, his quick actions saved many lives. Kyrylo is currently under medical care, and his mother, who was also injured, has been discharged home.
What were the reactions to the attack in Sumy?
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and urged the West for a firm response. The White House described the Russian attack as a "brutal reminder" of the necessity to end the war. President Donald Trump suggested that there must have been some mistake.
