A Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian city killed more than 20 people as civilians gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, officials said.
The city of Sumy was hit by two Russian ballistic missiles at approximately 10:15 a.m., as reported by Ukrainian officials. Pictures taken in the city depict a building reduced to rubble, vehicles engulfed in flames on the streets, and multiple bodies lying on the ground.
“On this sunny Palm Sunday, our community has faced a dreadful event,” stated Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar on social media. “Regrettably, we are aware of over 20 fatalities already.”
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, an initial examination revealed that a minimum of 21 individuals lost their lives in the assault. Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko posted on social media that at least 83 others, including seven children, sustained injuries.
Zelenskyy also called on the U.S., Europe and all other countries around the world “who wants this war and killings to end” to “respond firmly” to the attack.
Ruins of the regional human rights department building are seen following a Russian missile attack that killed at least 20 civilians in Sumy, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Press Service via AP)
“Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves,” he said.
The strike comes less than a day after Russia and Ukraine’s top diplomats accused each other of violating a tentative U.S.-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
