Russian Missile Strike in Sumy Kills 20 on Palm Sunday

A Russian missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday killed at least 20 people and injured 83. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as terror and emphasized the need for international support to combat further aggression. The strike significantly impacted civilian areas, particularly targeting individuals attending church services. Zelenskyy has called for additional air defense systems to protect Ukraine’s skies.

On Palm Sunday, a Russian missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, resulted in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries, with 83 people hurt, including seven children. Two ballistic missiles targeted the bustling city center, one striking a trolley bus filled with passengers. The aftermath revealed burning vehicles and bodies on the streets, highlighting the devastating impact of the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate act of terror, stressing the need for decisive international action. He emphasized the attack on civilians during a religious observance, stating, “Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions… only a scoundrel can act like this.” Zelenskyy reinforced that without pressure on Russia, peace would remain unattainable.

In light of the escalating violence, Zelenskyy has been fervently advocating for support from allies, notably requesting an additional 10 Patriot air defense systems to safeguard Ukraine’s airspace. He also highlighted that negotiations have failed to mitigate the threat of ballistic missiles, asserting the necessity of viewing Russia as a terrorist entity.

Sumy, located 15 miles from the Russian border, serves as a military center for Ukraine. The missile strike devastated civilian areas as people were heading to church, carrying willow branches for Palm Sunday. Disturbing footage depicted the chaos following the strike, including plumes of smoke and frantic efforts to escape the scene.

According to local officials, the missile strikes obliterated the city’s human rights center and damaged multiple structures in the vicinity, revealing the substantial destruction inflicted upon civilian infrastructure.

The Russian missile strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, emphasizing the ongoing dangers faced by Ukrainian civilians. President Zelenskyy’s call for international support is underscored by the need for a strong response against such acts of aggression, which he describes as terror. The attack not only highlights the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine but also the necessity for enhanced defense measures to protect civilians in the ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com