At Least 31 Killed and 80 Injured in Russian Attack on Sumy, Ukraine
A Russian missile attack in Sumy, Ukraine, has killed at least 31 and injured over 80. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the strike, which coincided with diplomatic talks amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kyiv over ceasefire violations. The attacks have raised doubts about Russia’s commitment to peace as Zelenskyy calls for more robust responses from the U.S. and Europe.
On Sunday, a Russian missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, resulted in at least 31 fatalities and over 80 injuries, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This incident marks one of the deadliest singular attacks on Ukraine in the current year. The assault coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as each side accuses the other of breaching a U.S.-brokered ceasefire intended to protect energy infrastructure, with diplomatic initiatives proving largely ineffective.
Zelenskyy denounced the missile attack, describing it as an act that “takes the lives of ordinary people,” highlighting the tragic timing on Palm Sunday when many were attending church services. He expressed his outrage by stating that the missiles struck residential areas, pointing out that such actions can only be attributed to “filthy scum” who commit such atrocities.
The military strike occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions in the U.S., which have notably excluded direct Ukrainian participation. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin held four hours of discussions with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. This meeting followed a post from Donald Trump on Truth Social, urging Witkoff to accelerate efforts toward a ceasefire.
Details of the talks were not made public by either side, yet Zelenskyy has consistently asserted the necessity for Ukraine to be involved in any negotiations concerning its future. The strike in Sumy raises further questions about Russia’s commitment to peace, with Zelenskyy urging both Europe and the U.S. to take strong actions. He underscored that “Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible.”
Previous diplomatic attempts have been unsuccessful, as both nations exchanged blame during a high-level conference in Turkey, discussing violations of the limited ceasefire agreement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine had been persistently attacking Russia, while his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, countered that Russia had launched a significant number of offensive attacks against Ukrainian civilians.
The tragic missile strike in Sumy accentuates the escalating violence and conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the critical need for effective diplomacy. With rising casualties and ongoing accusations from both sides regarding ceasefire violations, the prospects for peace remain grim without significant external pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy’s calls for including Ukraine in future discussions emphasize the necessity of addressing Ukrainian sovereignty in any resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
