More than 20 civilians have lost their lives following a missile strike by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, according to acting mayor Artem Kobzar. He described the attack as a “horrific strategy” that has deeply shaken the local community, Rks News reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded immediately, stating that the missiles struck “a regular city street, ordinary people: homes, educational institutions, cars on the road.” He confirmed that a rescue operation has been launched to assist those affected.
Zelensky emphasized the significance of the attack’s timing, noting that Russia targeted the center of Sumy “on the day when people were heading to church for Palm Sunday, the celebration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem.”
The Ukrainian President called for a strong response from the international community:
“The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants to end this war and this killing—Russia seeks precisely this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible.”
He concluded with a stark message:
“Negotiations have never stopped ballistic missiles and air-dropped bombs.”
