A Russian missile assault on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday claimed the lives of 32 people and injured over 80, marking the most devastating strike on Ukrainian territory so far this year, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and urged the international community to deliver a strong and decisive response. The strike coincided with diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to accelerate peace negotiations, though progress has been limited.
Footage shared by Zelensky on social media showed a street littered with bodies, a destroyed bus, and charred vehicles. “Only villains could do this—killing innocent civilians,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that the attack occurred on Palm Sunday as people were on their way to church.
Russian authorities have not issued a comment regarding the incident.
This strike follows a recent missile attack in Kryvyi Rih—Zelensky’s hometown—located far from the frontline, which killed 20 people, including nine children.
Sumy, home to roughly 250,000 residents and situated just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the Russian border, has been heavily militarized since Ukrainian forces conducted a cross-border operation into Russia last August, which was later pushed back.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that the victims were in vehicles, public transport, or nearby buildings when the missiles struck. He labeled it “a deliberate targeting of civilians on a significant religious day.”
Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, claimed the missiles were equipped with cluster munitions, adding, “The Russians are doing this to maximize civilian casualties.”
Ukrainian lawmaker Maryana Bezuhla speculated on Telegram that the attack may have been prompted by leaked intelligence regarding a military gathering in the area.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Russian forces currently control nearly 20% of Ukraine’s eastern and southern territories and have been gradually pushing forward in the east.
