A Russian ballistic missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 32 people on Sunday morning, according to emergency services, as residents marked Palm Sunday.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar stated on Telegram that civilians were once again targeted by Russian forces.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that among the dead were two children, and 84 others were wounded. Authorities said two missiles hit the city center, damaging several buildings, including homes.
Kobzar described the attack as a tragic event for the community on a significant religious day. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said the missiles carried cluster munitions designed to cause maximum civilian casualties. He condemned the strike as a deliberate assault on noncombatants.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack a “terrible strike” on everyday life, noting that it targeted streets, homes, and schools as people attended church. He called the perpetrators “scoundrels” and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Zelenskyy urged a strong global response, emphasizing that only sustained pressure on Russia can bring peace. He stressed that negotiations alone cannot stop missiles, and Russia must be treated like a terrorist state.
