Sumy, Ukraine – April 13, 2025 — A pair of Russian ballistic missiles struck the center of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday morning, killing at least 21 civilians and injuring more than 80, including children, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The coordinated missile attack occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time, during Palm Sunday celebrations, when many residents were gathered in public spaces and religious venues. The timing and location of the strike suggest a deliberate targeting of civilians, officials said.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar confirmed the tragedy in a statement posted to social media, calling the strike “a terrible tragedy” and noting that the death toll could rise as emergency crews continued their search through the rubble.
“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” Kobzar wrote. “Unfortunately, we already know of more than 20 deaths.”
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office later confirmed at least 21 fatalities, based on preliminary investigation results. Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko added that 83 individuals had been injured, including seven children, some of whom are in critical condition.
Footage shared by emergency responders and local officials showed the aftermath: smoke billowing over charred buildings, wrecked cars, shattered windows, and bodies lying among the debris in one of the busiest areas of Sumy.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a strong condemnation of the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and urging the international community to respond decisively.
“According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this — taking the lives of ordinary people,” he said in a televised address. “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
Sunday’s attack came less than 24 hours after a tentative U.S.-brokered pause on strikes targeting critical energy infrastructure appeared to unravel. At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, foreign ministers from both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of breaching the fragile understanding.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Ukraine had continued offensive actions, stating, “The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning, every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions.”
In stark contrast, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered with alarming figures:
“Since agreeing to the limited pause, Russia has launched nearly 70 missiles, over 2,200 exploding drones, and more than 6,000 guided aerial bombs, mostly targeting civilians,” Sybiha said.
The apparent collapse of the agreement has dashed hopes for even a short-term reprieve in a war that has now raged for three years, with heavy civilian casualties and ongoing destruction of Ukrainian cities.
With rescue efforts still underway late Sunday, officials warn the number of victims may increase as more bodies are pulled from the wreckage. International humanitarian agencies and Western governments are expected to release statements condemning the strike.
Zelenskyy’s administration has again called on Western allies to increase sanctions against Moscow and accelerate the delivery of missile defense systems and humanitarian aid.
“This is why our defenses must be stronger. This is why support from our allies must not weaken,” said presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak in a separate statement.
AP
