Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing 34 people and reigniting global outrage amid stalled ceasefire talks.
At a Glance
- Russian missiles killed 34 in Sumy on Palm Sunday
- Ukrainian officials report use of cluster munitions
- Putin rejects U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal
- International leaders condemn strike as war crime
- Attack seen as signal of renewed Russian offensive
Missiles Hit Ukraine on Holy Day
On a day meant for peace, Russian forces launched a brutal missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing 34 people—including two children—and injuring over 117 others. According to AP News, Ukrainian officials reported that ballistic missiles were used, with strong indications that banned cluster munitions were part of the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as terrorism, stating on X that “31 people are known to have been killed in Sumy. Among those killed were two children,” and condemned Russia’s blatant disregard for civilian life. The assault occurred just days after a U.S.-endorsed ceasefire proposal was dismissed by Moscow, further complicating efforts toward peace.
Watch NBC Los Angeles’s coverage of the attack at Russian Missiles Slam Ukrainian City of Sumy.
Global Leaders Decry Civilian Targeting
The international backlash was swift. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on X, “I’m appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy,” and urged President Putin to accept an immediate ceasefire. Retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg also weighed in via The Hill, declaring that the “Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency.”
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, adding pressure on the Kremlin and vowing continued support for Ukraine. European leaders warned that Russia’s refusal to honor ceasefire frameworks threatens to further destabilize the region and prolong civilian suffering.
Ceasefire Hopes Dashed by Kremlin
Despite diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. and NATO allies, President Vladimir Putin rejected the most recent ceasefire proposal and hinted at a limited tactical escalation instead. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on state media that “the Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning,” a stance dismissed by Western analysts as a smokescreen for renewed aggression.
President Zelenskyy responded forcefully, telling NBC Los Angeles, “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Sunday’s massacre in Sumy is the latest flashpoint in a war that has already claimed thousands of civilian lives. It also highlights the urgent need for effective enforcement of international humanitarian law. The use of cluster munitions—a violation under multiple treaties—would mark a significant escalation in weaponry deployed against Ukraine’s urban centers.
The world is watching. As the human toll grows, so does pressure on global powers to act decisively. Whether through diplomacy or sanctions, the question remains: how many more must die before the world forces a path to peace?
