A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian metropolis of Sumy has left at the very least 32 civilians lifeless, together with two kids, in one of many deadliest assaults on city areas this 12 months.
The early morning assault on April 13, Palm Sunday, has drawn sturdy condemnation from Western leaders, together with U.S. and French officers.
In a press release, Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s particular envoy to Ukraine, stated: “At the moment’s Palm Sunday assault by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilian lifeless and wounded. As a former navy chief, I perceive concentrating on and that is fallacious. It’s why President Trump is working arduous to finish this conflict.”
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French President Emmanuel Macron additionally issued a robust rebuke: “This morning, two Russian missiles struck the center of town of Sumy in Ukraine, inflicting quite a few civilian casualties, together with kids as soon as once more. Everybody is aware of: this conflict was initiated by Russia alone. And at the moment, it’s clear that Russia alone chooses to proceed it—with blatant disregard for human lives, worldwide legislation, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump.”
Macron known as for rapid worldwide measures to stress Moscow into accepting a ceasefire. “France is working tirelessly towards this purpose, alongside its companions,” he added.
In accordance with Ukrainian authorities, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles had been launched from inside Russia by the 112th and 448th Missile Brigades.
The missiles, armed with 9M723 fragmentation high-explosive warheads, struck a densely populated avenue in central Sumy. Officers said that the launches originated from Liski in Voronezh Oblast and Lezhenki in Kursk Oblast.
Sumy at the moment.
Evil wins when individuals want to look the opposite approach.
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) April 13, 2025
Photographs from the scene present widespread destruction and debris-strewn streets. Emergency providers and volunteers proceed to look the rubble for survivors.
Ukrainian officers have reiterated that the assault was deliberate and that there have been no navy targets within the space. The Ministry of Protection described the strike as a “premeditated act of terror” and known as for expanded Western navy and humanitarian assist.
Regardless of ongoing worldwide efforts at mediation, Russian missile and drone assaults on civilian infrastructure have endured, typically with excessive civilian casualties.
