A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday morning, killing at least 21 civilians and injuring 83 more. The attack, which occurred during Palm Sunday celebrations, reduced residential buildings to rubble and drew sharp condemnation from Ukrainian officials and global observers.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar confirmed the casualties and the destruction through a public statement, calling it another brutal assault on civilians by the Russian military. The missile struck residential zones, targeting homes, schools, and vehicles. Photos from the aftermath show collapsed buildings, shattered windows, and streets littered with debris.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Medical teams worked around the clock to treat the injured, while hospitals throughout the region appealed for blood donations and additional supplies.
Interior Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko verified the toll later in the day, reporting 21 confirmed dead and 83 injured. Many of the wounded were in critical condition, prompting regional hospitals to issue emergency alerts.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an act of terrorism. In a statement on Telegram, he emphasized that the missile targeted ordinary city life—schools, homes, and cars—on a religious holiday meant for peace and reflection. He described the act as one committed by a “scoundrel” and offered condolences to the families affected.
Zelenskyy called for a tougher response from the international community. He urged the United States, European Union, and other allies to apply more pressure on Russia, arguing that dialogue alone would not stop missile strikes. He warned that without global unity and resistance, peace in Ukraine would remain out of reach.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, reiterated the president’s message, labeling the strike a war crime and an intentional effort to instill terror among civilians.
In Sumy, residents mourned what was meant to be a day of celebration. Palm Sunday holds deep significance in Christian tradition, marking Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. For many in the community, this day will now be remembered for bloodshed and destruction.
The Sumy City Council described the strike as a tragic event for the entire region. Homes were flattened, a local school was destroyed, and emergency responders continued to pull bodies from the rubble hours after the explosion.
Civilians described the horror of the moment the missile hit. One woman recalled making breakfast for her children when the building shook and glass shattered. Another man said he saw flames rising from his neighbor’s home while carrying his injured wife to safety.
Churches in the area opened their doors to shelter displaced residents, and religious leaders led candlelight vigils amid the chaos. The clergy called on citizens to unite in grief and prayer while demanding international justice.
The attack is one of the deadliest single-day strikes in recent months and comes amid escalating missile attacks across Ukraine. Officials believe Russia is ramping up its campaign to destabilize urban centers far from the front lines, using psychological warfare to break civilian morale.
Global responses poured in throughout the day. Humanitarian organizations and foreign governments condemned the strike, calling it a gross violation of international humanitarian law. Calls for further sanctions and military aid to Ukraine intensified, with pressure mounting on NATO allies to provide advanced air defense systems.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell released a statement condemning the strike as “brutal and unacceptable.” He stressed that Russia must face the consequences for its repeated targeting of civilians and urged the international community to respond with firmness and resolve.
As night fell over Sumy, rescue operations continued under the glow of searchlights. The city remained on high alert, with authorities warning that the death toll could still rise. Volunteers distributed food and blankets to those who had lost their homes while emergency crews worked to restore electricity and water in affected areas.
President Zelenskyy ended the day with another call to action: “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. We need the kind of attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
For the residents of Sumy, the memories of this day will be marked by loss and pain. As the cleanup begins, Ukrainians continue to hold onto hope, but increasingly look to the world for more than just words.
This story is developing. More updates will follow as information becomes available.
