The aftermath of Russia's missile attack on the city's center. AP Photo
On Sunday, Russian ballistic missiles hit the center of Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine. The attack killed at least 34 people, including two children, and left 117 others wounded. The city was busy with residents attending Palm Sunday services when the missiles struck, causing panic and fear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the missiles hit a university building and exploded over a busy street. The explosion caused widespread damage, with shattered glass, destroyed vehicles, and buildings torn apart. Emergency services rushed to the scene to help victims, and some people were trapped in the rubble. The attack is the deadliest in Ukraine this year.
The Ukrainian government suspects that cluster munitions were used, which are highly dangerous and cause widespread destruction. Cluster munitions release smaller explosives over a wide area, making them especially deadly in populated places. One of the explosions is believed to have been filled with these munitions, causing further devastation.
Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act of terror. He urged the international community to respond strongly to Russia’s actions. He also stated that the war would not end without pressure on Russia. According to him, peaceful talks have never stopped the missiles from flying, and Russia should be treated as a terrorist state.
International leaders quickly condemned the attack. US President Donald Trump said it was a "terrible" act, while others pointed out that it crossed all decency lines. Keith Kellogg, a former Trump administration official, also expressed outrage at the targeting of civilians.
Sumy residents shared their experiences. Natalia Pihul, a local woman, explained that her mother was injured when a cupboard fell on her during the explosion. “It’s unacceptable,” she said, as she showed reporters the destruction in her apartment.
More than 20 buildings were damaged, including homes, cafes, shops, and even the district court. Zelensky said that 68 of the wounded are in hospitals, and eight of them are in serious condition.
The attack also left visible destruction in the city. Emergency workers were seen carrying bodies covered in blankets, and some people were found dead inside a trolleybus that had been destroyed. The strike marks one of the worst civilian attacks in Ukraine since 2023, when 51 people were killed in Kupiansk.
Ukrainian officials said Russia has been increasing attacks in Sumy recently. This area is close to the Russian border and has become a key battleground in the ongoing war. In the last 24 hours, more attacks in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions also left people dead and wounded.
The international community continues to call for stronger actions to hold Russia accountable. The United Nations condemned the attack, stating that it violated international law.
While the war rages on, the people of Sumy are left dealing with the aftermath of this brutal attack.
