Ukraine vows fierce retaliation after Sumy missile attack
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced retaliation for the Russian attack on the city of Sumy. "Russia will receive only our wrath and inevitable retaliation. Our response will be fierce. We will destroy the occupiers, their military facilities, weapons, and equipment—wherever they are found," the statement reads.
According to the rescue services' announcement from 5:30 PM GMT, 34 people, including two children, were killed in the Russian attack on the city of Sumy, Ukraine. More than 117 people were injured, among them 15 children.
The attack occurred on Sunday around 7:15 AM GMT; missiles fell on the city centre at a time when people were, among other things, returning from or heading to church due to Palm Sunday being observed in Ukraine as well. Many were also strolling down the boulevard in the central part of Sumy.
The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the attack. Expressions of outrage also came from the United States, NATO, and many of Ukraine's allies.
The General Staff announces retaliation. "Our response will be fierce"
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced retaliation. In an extensive statement posted on social media, it reads:
"On the day of a great Christian holiday—Palm Sunday—Russian forces committed another criminal act against humanity by conducting a ballistic attack on the centre of Sumy. Dozens of civilians were killed or injured. Not achieving strategic success on the battlefield, the enemy once again resorts to its typical tactic—waging war against the civilian population and blatantly violating international law, conventions, and customs of war."
As the Staff writes, "Russia once again shows it is not seeking peace. Its goal is to sow fear. But Russia will receive only our wrath and inevitable retaliation. Our response will be fierce. We will destroy the occupiers, their military facilities, weapons, and equipment—wherever they are found. Russia's war crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations. Criminals must face deserved punishment."
Ukrainian brigades have already posted numerous photos of bombs inscribed with "For Sumy."
"All of this is heading towards the enemy now"
"Innocent people, killed in the very heart of their hometown. But retaliation will not wait! Each of our soldiers today will destroy the enemy with exceptional fury. Missiles, mines, grenades, and drones—all of this is heading towards the enemy now," wrote the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Attack on Sumy. Units declare retaliation
The 36th Separate Marine Brigade wrote: "The enemy is not just after land. It wants to evoke fear. It strikes cities, children, and civilians with missiles. People fall on the streets without a cry and without farewell, in suffering. On the battlefield, we do everything possible—and sometimes even the impossible—so that for every such missile attack, the enemy is held accountable. Revenge is inevitable."
"For Sumy! For the living and for those who cannot be brought back," reads a post on Facebook.
"None of you will escape"
"You are not an army—you are barbarians and terrorists," reads a post from the Airborne Assault Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "This will not be forgotten. This will not be forgiven. None of you will escape. Not in Russia, not 'on vacation,' not abroad. We will find you. We will destroy you. One by one. For Sumy, Kryvy Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro. For everyone. Without mercy. Without forgiveness," the post reads.
