Russian Missile Strike in Sumy Claims 34 Lives on Palm Sunday

KYIV, Ukraine — A devastating missile attack by Russia struck the northeastern city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, killing at least 34 people, including two children, while injuring 117 others, officials reported. The assault marked the second large-scale missile strike on a significant Ukrainian city within just over a week.

The two ballistic missiles hit around 10:15 a.m., targeting areas filled with civilians celebrating the holiday. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with body bags lining the streets and emergency responders battling flames from destroyed vehicles. Over 20 buildings, including residential apartments and local businesses, suffered extensive damage, as State Emergency Service officials assessed the devastation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a heinous crime against ordinary citizens. “Only filthy scum can act like this — taking the lives of ordinary people,” he stated. Witness accounts corroborated the chilling impact, with Natalia Pihul recalling how debris from the attack injured her mother. The violence was indicative of the escalating conflict as Russia appears increasingly emboldened.

After the attack, the State Emergency Service confirmed that among the dead were civilians celebrating the holiday. The missiles reportedly utilized cluster munitions, known for their indiscriminate and widespread lethal potential, prompting concerns from local officials regarding the targeting of civilian areas.

This latest assault follows a deadly strike on April 4, which devastated Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih and left approximately 20 people dead, including nine children. In light of these tragic events, Zelenskyy issued an appeal for a unified global response against Russian aggression, asserting that negotiations alone cannot halt the violence.

International leaders swiftly condemned the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the violence as “horrifying,” while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the strikes underlined the necessity for a ceasefire. “This war was initiated by Russia alone,” Macron stated, echoing the ongoing debate over accountability and the urgent need for action.

With peace talks reportedly stalled, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff‘s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised questions about the genuine commitment of both parties to negotiate a ceasefire. During these negotiations, accusations have flown back and forth regarding violations of a tentative U.S.-brokered deal aimed at pausing attacks on energy infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has also warned of a potential new offensive from Russia as the conflict enters its fourth year, highlighting the dire situation faced by civilians. Meanwhile, officials on both sides continue to exchange blame for the ongoing violence, complicating the prospects for dialogue and peace.

As the situation develops, Zelenskyy maintains that without significant international pressure on Russia, a lasting peace remains unattainable. “Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible,” he stated, emphasizing the need for decisive global action to prevent further civilian casualties. The aftermath of the Sumy attack leaves families mourning their losses while the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the stalemate that has engulfed Ukraine.