Palm Sunday Tragedy: 34 Dead, 117 Injured in Russian Strike on Sumy

Sumy, Ukraine — A deadly Russian missile strike shattered Palm Sunday celebrations in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, leaving at least 34 civilians dead and 117 others injured, including 15 children. This marks the second mass-casualty attack on civilians within a week, intensifying concerns over escalating violence.

Ukrainian authorities confirmed that two ballistic missiles hit the city center around 10:15 a.m., unleashing devastation in a crowded public area. Disturbing images from the aftermath showed rows of black body bags lined along streets, with emergency crews sifting through rubble and wreckage. Video clips depicted firefighters battling flames and charred vehicles as smoke rose from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

Among the dead were two children, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack in harsh terms, labeling the perpetrators as “dirty people” and insisting that the international community must respond. “Ballistic missiles and aerial bombs are not deterred by negotiations,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the need to treat Russia as a terrorist actor.

Global condemnation swiftly followed. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of sabotaging international peace efforts, particularly those led by Washington. “This war was initiated solely by Russia, and today’s actions show their continued disregard for human life and international norms,” he said.

U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also denounced the attack, saying it had “crossed all limits of decency.”

As the world reacts to the fresh wave of violence, Ukraine once again finds itself urging global leaders to take decisive action. The Sumy tragedy underscores the war’s brutal toll on civilians and the urgent need for a stronger, unified international response.