In one of the deadliest assaults on Ukrainian civilians since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, April 13, has claimed the lives of at least 35 people, including two children, and injured over 117 others. The attack, which occurred at 10:20 a.m. local time, targeted the city center as residents gathered for religious services, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The missile strike coincided with Palm Sunday, a significant observance in the Christian calendar, amplifying the tragedy for the predominantly Orthodox Christian community in Sumy. The attack destroyed multiple buildings and vehicles, with significant damage to residential structures. Among the most severe losses was a trolleybus hit during the attack, with regional administration head Volodymyr Artyukh confirming that most passengers aboard died.
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Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces launched the strike using two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, with preliminary evidence suggesting the deployment of cluster munitions. The missiles were launched from Liski in Voronezh Oblast and Lezhenki in Kursk Oblast by the 112th and 448th Missile Brigades.
The international community swiftly condemned the attack. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed being “deeply alarmed and shocked” by the strike, emphasizing that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong rebuke: “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.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated: “Today’s Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilian dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war.”
European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also condemned the strike. Merz labeled the attack a “war crime” and called for increased support to Ukraine, including the provision of long-range TAURUS missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as deliberate terrorism and called for stronger international pressure on Russia. He emphasized that “talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs” and urged the global community to respond forcefully. Zelenskyy also appealed for the delivery of 10 additional Patriot air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the targeting of civilians during a religious holiday as “absolute evil,” while Finance Minister Yulia Svyrydenko highlighted the timing of the attack on one of the year’s busiest church attendance days. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, characterized the possible use of cluster munitions as deliberately calculated to inflict maximum civilian casualties.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that the strike targeted a meeting of Ukrainian military officers, alleging that over 60 soldiers were killed. However, Ukrainian officials denied the presence of military targets in the area, reiterating that the attack was a deliberate act of terror against civilians.
The day following the initial strike, on April 14, Russia launched additional missile and guided bomb attacks on the outskirts of Sumy. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the attacks underscored the persistent threat to Ukrainian cities and the challenges in protecting civilian populations.
The Sumy attack has intensified debates within the U.S. administration regarding the appropriate response to Russia’s actions. While President Trump labeled the strike a “mistake,” he refrained from directly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin. This stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some Republican lawmakers urging a tougher approach toward Moscow.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has invited President Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the devastation firsthand, hoping to garner increased support and a more robust response from the U.S.
The attack on Sumy has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with emergency services and volunteers working tirelessly to search the rubble for survivors and provide aid to the injured. The destruction of residential areas and infrastructure has left many without shelter and basic necessities.
International organizations and humanitarian agencies have called for increased support to address the immediate needs of those affected and to bolster Ukraine’s capacity to protect its civilian population from ongoing attacks.
