At least 31 killed, 84 wounded in Russian attack on Sumy: Ukraine
A Russian ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more, 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 at least 84 people 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 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.On Friday, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, Russia. After the talks, which Russian state media said they lasted over four hours, Trump said the discussions aimed at ending the war may be going OK, 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 added.‘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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Sunday 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.
