Macron condemns Moscow after deadly missile strike in Sumy
"This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it," Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media, referring to the Russian attack on Sumy, in which at least 32 people were killed. The President of France unequivocally condemned Moscow for this action.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his position on platform X, referring to the Sunday attack on Sumy in eastern Ukraine. As a result of this attack, carried out by Russia, at least 32 people were killed. Macron emphasised that Russia started this war and currently only it decides to continue it.
Macron's unequivocal stance on the war. "Russia wants to continue it"
"This morning, two Russian missiles struck the heart of the city of Sumy in Ukraine, causing numerous civilian casualties, including children once again. Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it — with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump," reads Macron's post.
"Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners. To the victims, the wounded, and all of Ukraine that continues to resist: our solidarity, our respect, our unwavering commitment," added the French leader.
The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, also commented on the tragic events in Ukraine. The Estonian politician wrote: "Horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire."
Russian attack on Sumy
The number of victims of the missile attack on Sumy in Ukraine is still growing. Two Iskander-M missiles killed at least 32 people, and over 84 were injured, including 10 children. NATO expressed its concern over the actions of the Russian aggressor.
The Russians attacked Sumy with two ballistic missiles on Sunday morning, Greenwich Mean Time. The head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, reported that the missiles were equipped with cluster warheads. According to him, the use of cluster munitions by the Russians is aimed at maximising civilian casualties.
NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart described the scenes from Sumy as gruesome, emphasising that the missiles killed dozens of people and seriously injured many civilians. She expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people during this difficult time.
Reactions and consequences of the attack on Sumy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also responded to the attack. He called the aggressors "vile scum." He emphasised that the missiles struck the city centre while residents were returning or going to church for Palm Sunday. Many people were strolling along the boulevard in the city centre then.
Footage from the scene shows bodies lying in the streets, burning vehicles, and destroyed buildings. Other materials show a wrecked trolleybus and people kneeling by covered bodies.
This was the second massive Russian attack on the civilian population this month. On 4th April, a Russian ballistic missile killed 19 people, including nine children, in Kryvyi Rih. The twentieth victim died later in the hospital.
Political context of the attack
The attack occurred just two days after the visit of Donald Trump's special envoy to Moscow. Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin, and their talks were supposed to focus on normalising relations between Moscow and Washington and some aspects of resolving the situation in Ukraine.
