Russian Missile Strike Kills 32 in Sumy, Ukraine; Tensions Escalate

KYIV, Ukraine — At least 32 people, including two children, were killed in a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy on Sunday, as local authorities reported significant damage to residential buildings and public infrastructure.

The attack, which incorporated two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, struck near Sumy State University around 10:15 a.m. local time, according to Ukraine’s state emergency service. Another 84 individuals were injured, including 10 children, as emergency rescue operations were launched.

Ludmyla Voronina, a resident living just a few kilometers from the blast site, described the chaos: “There were blasts from two ballistic rockets – one followed by another two minutes later. Everything in my house jumped,” she said, recalling the emotional toll of living under constant threat.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, characterizing it as a “horrific assault” on civilians during Palm Sunday celebrations. “On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy,” said Artem Kobzar, acting mayor of Sumy, echoing the president’s sentiments about the senseless nature of the attack.

The strikes have led to political fallout, with Sumy’s mayor demanding the resignation of regional security officials for failing to prevent the assault. Meanwhile, a senior official in the Ukrainian government accused the mayor of exploiting the tragedy for personal gain.

Intelligence reports indicate the missiles originated from Russia’s Voronezh and Kursk regions. Destruction included 20 damaged buildings, four educational institutions, multiple vehicles, shops, and homes. “Only filthy scum can act like this—taking the lives of ordinary people,” Zelensky stated in a social media post.

As rescue efforts continue, criticism has been directed at the Russian government’s ongoing military strategy. Activists and officials have noted that attacks on civilians seem to escalate following diplomatic meetings between Russian and U.S. leaders. The latest round of discussions between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg coincided with the Sumy missile strike.

Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, have labeled the strikes a war crime, particularly alarming given the current timing of the attacks during significant national religious observances.

Furthermore, Kyiv’s relationship with Washington indicates tension surrounding potential military aid, as negotiations over an energy deal remain in limbo. Despite mounting civilian casualties, U.S. officials have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire between the two nations.

As of 1:00 p.m. local time, the casualty figures reported by the state emergency service stood at 32 dead and 84 wounded. Rescue operations and emergency support are still ongoing at the attack site, with the government mobilizing resources to assist those affected.

The broader implications of this attack on Ukraine’s defense posture and international relations remain uncertain, as Zelensky continues to advocate for global pressure on Russia to cease its military aggression.