US, EU React As Russia Ballistic Missile Attack On Sumy Ukraine Kills 34, Injures Scores
LAGOS APRIL 13TH (NEWSRANGERS)-A Russian ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has killed at least 34 people and wounded more than a hundred, according to officials.
Two missiles struck the heart of the city at about 10:15am (07:15 GMT) as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, the first day of the Christian Holy Week, according to officials.
In a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the death toll included two children. He added that dozens were wounded in the “horrific” attack.
“It is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent. Russian strikes deserve nothing but condemnation,” Zelenskyy said. “There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people.”
The death toll is expected to rise, according to emergency services. There was no immediate comment by Russia.
Videos posted from the scene on official channels showed bodies on the ground amid debris and smoke around central Sumy.
“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” Sumy’s acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said in a statement on social media.
The attack was carried out as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has intensified efforts for a ceasefire in the war, more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, said the Russian attack on civilian targets “crosses any line of decency”.
“As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong,” Kellogg posted on X.
On Friday, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, Russia. After the talks, which Russian state media said lasted over four hours, Trump said the discussions aimed at ending the war may be going well, but “there’s a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up”.
After Sunday’s attack, Zelenskyy said talks “have never stopped” ballistic missiles and bombs. “What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves,” he said.
‘Russia alone wants to continue with war’: Macron
The warring sides have continued to exchange attacks despite agreeing to a US-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of negotiating an end to the conflict.
Ukraine has endorsed a broader US ceasefire proposal, but Russia has effectively blocked it by imposing far-reaching conditions. European governments have accused Putin of dragging his feet.
“Everyone knows it is Russia alone that wants this war,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after the attack on Sumy. “Today it is clear that Russia alone wants to continue with it, showing its scorn for human life, international law and diplomatic efforts made by President Trump.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy”, adding that Putin “must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions”.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also issued a condemnation. “On this holy day of Palm Sunday, a new horrible and cowardly Russian attack took place in Sumy, once again leaving innocent civilian victims, including, unfortunately, children,” she said.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that Ukraine carried out two attacks on Russian energy infrastructure over the past day. It also said Russian forces had captured Yelyzavetivka village in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The Ukrainian government has yet to comment on the claim, though Russian forces have made steady gains in Ukraine’s east in recent months.
Ukraine has warned that Russia is planning a new spring offensive to ramp up pressure and improve its negotiating position.
Russia currently holds about 20 percent of the country’s territory in the east and the south.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
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Posted by News Rangers
on Apr 13 2025. Filed under International, National.
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