In a devastating escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian ballistic missiles struck the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, killing at least 34 civilians, including two children, and injuring 117 others. The attack occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time, coinciding with Palm Sunday services, one of the most significant religious observances in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials, the missiles targeted the city center, hitting areas near Sumy State University and a regional human rights center. Preliminary reports suggest that cluster munitions were used in the strike, a tactic known for causing widespread civilian casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as deliberate terrorism, calling for stronger international pressure on Russia. He emphasized that “talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs” and urged the global community to respond forcefully.
International leaders echoed Zelenskyy’s condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as a “horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire,” and called for “strong measures” to enforce a ceasefire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the strike as “barbaric,” emphasizing that Europe stands with Ukraine.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned the strike “in the strongest possible terms,” noting that international humanitarian law expressly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
This attack marks the deadliest single assault on Ukrainian civilians since 2023 and has intensified calls for increased international support for Ukraine, including the provision of advanced air defense systems.
As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to such violations of international law and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
