Russia launches a deadly missile attack on Ukraine’s Sumy city, killing 34 civilians including children and wounding over 100 others, as Western leaders rush to condemn the strike that occurred near educational facilities.
At a Glance
- Russian ballistic missiles struck Sumy, Ukraine, killing 34 people including two children and injuring 117 others
- The attack targeted areas near a university and congress center around 10:15 a.m. on Palm Sunday
- Ukrainian intelligence reported the use of Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, with possible cluster munitions
- Western leaders including Donald Trump’s envoy, European officials, and the UN have condemned the civilian targeting
- The strike occurred amid faltering peace talks and accusations of ceasefire violations between both nations
Deadliest Russian Attack of 2025
Russian forces launched a devastating missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people and wounding nearly 120 others. The strike, which involved two ballistic missiles, hit central areas of the northeastern city around 10:15 a.m., targeting locations near Sumy State University and a local congress center. This marks the deadliest single Russian attack on Ukraine this year, coming shortly after an April 4 strike on President Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people.
Ukrainian intelligence services identified the weapons used as Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Officials from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office claimed that cluster munitions were deployed in the attack, significantly increasing the destructive impact. The missiles struck a densely populated area, causing catastrophic damage to civilian infrastructure. First responders worked frantically to pull survivors from collapsed buildings while medical facilities struggled to treat the influx of wounded.
Global Condemnation from Western Allies
The attack has drawn swift and sharp condemnation from world leaders. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the missile strike as “horrifying” and a “tragic reminder” of the ongoing conflict’s brutality. President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, stated that the attack “crosses any line of decency,” highlighting the targeting of civilian areas as particularly egregious.
“Only filthy scum can act like this — taking the lives of ordinary people,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
European leaders joined in the chorus of criticism. Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, labeled the attack a “serious war crime.” French President Emmanuel Macron pointed out Russia’s “blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and diplomatic efforts,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the strike as “barbaric.” British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed being “appalled,” and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the attack “cowardly.”
Attack Amid Stalled Peace Efforts
The deadly strike occurred at a particularly sensitive diplomatic moment. It followed closely behind a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at discussing potential paths to end the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a U.S.-brokered agreement to pause strikes on energy infrastructure. Russia has notably not commented specifically on the Sumy attack and has rejected a US-proposed ceasefire.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Dutch Premier Dick Schoof advocated for enhanced air defense systems for Ukraine in response to the tragedy. The attack on Sumy was part of a broader pattern of intensified Russian aggression, with additional strikes reported in the Kherson and Donetsk regions, resulting in more casualties. Russia also claimed to have captured a village in the Donetsk region on the same day.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
The Sumy attack highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s comprehensive invasion that began in 2022. The northeastern city has faced increased pressure in recent months as Russian forces have intensified their operations in the region. In addition to the missile strike on Sumy, Russian forces damaged a kindergarten in Kharkiv in a separate attack, though fortunately without casualties. These continued strikes against civilian targets have reinforced urgent calls from Ukrainian officials for additional defensive capabilities.
President Zelenskyy has explicitly called on President Donald Trump to witness the destruction firsthand, underscoring the need for continued American support. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has countered with accusations that Ukraine has conducted continuous attacks and planned to provide evidence to international bodies. As rescue operations continue in Sumy, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to what many are calling a clear violation of the rules of warfare.
