On Sunday April 13, Russian ballistic missiles struck the city center of Sumy, Ukraine, during Palm Sunday celebrations, resulting in at least 34 civilian deaths and injuring 117 others, including children. This attack is reported as the deadliest on Ukrainian civilians in 2025. The missiles targeted areas such as a trolleybus and a university conference center, causing significant destruction and civilian casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a deliberate act of terror and called for a strong international response. He emphasized that such attacks demonstrate Russia’s lack of intention to end the ongoing conflict. “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves,” Zelensky stated.
The attack occurred shortly after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to promote a ceasefire, highlighting the challenges facing diplomatic efforts.
International leaders, including those from the European Union and the United States, have condemned the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed condolences to the victims and reaffirmed efforts toward peace.
The use of ballistic missiles in densely populated areas has raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Ukrainian officials have reported the use of cluster munitions in the attack, which could constitute a war crime.
