Russian missile strike on Sumy leaves city in chaos
On Sunday morning, the Russians launched a missile attack on Sumy. Authorities report numerous casualties.
What do you need to know?
- Where did the attack occur? The Russian missile attack took place in Sumy, in the northeast of Ukraine.
- When did the incident happen? The attack occurred on Sunday morning while residents were attending Palm Sunday services.
- What are the consequences of the attack? Authorities report numerous fatalities, though the exact number has yet to be disclosed.
What are the authorities' reactions to the attack?
Acting Mayor of Sumy, Artem Kobzar, reported on Telegram about the tragic outcome of the attack, emphasising that "the enemy has attacked the civilian population again." The city authorities have not disclosed the exact number of casualties yet.
Published online footage shows the bodies of deceased individuals lying on the city's streets.
The attack targeted the city centre. The footage depicts chaos in the city and ongoing rescue operations.
What were the circumstances of the attack?
The attack took place while the residents of Sumy were attending Palm Sunday services, which this year were celebrated simultaneously by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Many people were on their way to church or returning from services, further increasing casualties.
Volodymyr Zelensky has also responded to the attack. "A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life – residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street… And that’s on the day when people go to church – Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem," he wrote.
"According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene," conveyed the President of Ukraine.
