A devastating barrage of two Russian ballistic missiles struck the heart of Sumy, a northern Ukrainian city, on Sunday, resulting in the tragic loss of 34 lives and leaving 117 others wounded. This act marks the deadliest attack on Ukrainian soil in 2025, underscoring the ongoing brutality of the conflict.*

In the aftermath of the strike, which occurred on Palm Sunday—a day traditionally reserved for reflection and religious observance—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for harsher international sanctions and a unified response against Moscow. The missile strikes coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the protracted war, which has seen little progress.

Graphic videos shared by Zelenskiy on social media depicted a harrowing scene: lifeless bodies scattered along a city street, among the wreckage of a destroyed bus and charred vehicles. “Only scoundrels can act like this, taking the lives of ordinary people,” Zelenskiy stated, emphasizing the irony of the attack occurring on a significant day for many believers.

Local resident Yevhen, a 27-year-old PhD student, expressed his disbelief at the violence, reflecting the sentiments of many: “You know, the people who are fighting against us always say that they are Orthodox (Christian) believers, that they believe in God, but we have experienced first-hand terrorism today. I have no words.”

The international community swiftly condemned the strike, with leaders from Britain, Germany, and Italy voicing outrage. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to social media, pointing out the futility of Russia's claims of peace: “These attacks show just what Russia's supposed readiness for peace is worth.”

Despite the backlash, Russian authorities have remained silent regarding the incident. Historically, Moscow has denied targeting civilians, even as evidence continues to mount of the collateral damage inflicted during its invasion of Ukraine. Just earlier this month, a missile attack in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskiy’s hometown, resulted in 20 fatalities, including nine children, further highlighting the indiscriminate violence affecting Ukrainian civilians.

Sumy, with a population nearing 250,000 and located merely 25 kilometers from the Russian border, has found itself at the forefront of conflict. The city transformed into a garrison stronghold following a Ukrainian military incursion into Russia last August, although Moscow has since largely managed to repel those efforts.

In response to the attack, Sumy’s acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, announced three days of mourning for the victims beginning Monday. The Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, reported that many caught in the missile strike were simply going about their daily lives, using public transport or walking down streets when the missiles hit. He characterized the assault as a “deliberate destruction of civilians on an important church feast day.” 

Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Zelenskiy, revealed that the missiles contained cluster munitions, suggesting a calculated attempt by Russian forces to maximize civilian casualties. Additionally, Maryana Bezuhla, a vocal Ukrainian lawmaker, alluded to the possibility that the attack may have been predicated on leaked intelligence regarding a gathering of soldiers—a claim that has not been substantiated with evidence.

As hostilities continue, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Kyiv would share information about this incident, which it deems a war crime, with international partners and institutions. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is already investigating high-profile alleged war crimes linked to the ongoing conflict.

Andriy Kovalenko, who oversees Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, suggested that Russia’s military actions have coincided frighteningly with diplomatic overtures from the U.S. regarding the conflict. He categorized the missile strike as a disturbing reflection of “so-called diplomacy” employed by Moscow.

Despite a temporary agreement to pause strikes on each other’s energy infrastructure last month, both Ukraine and Russia have accused one another of breaching the moratorium. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential peace arrangements, urging that “Russia needs to get moving.”

In light of Sunday’s horrors, President Zelenskiy urged the United States and Europe to take decisive action, asserting that without concerted pressure on Moscow, prospects for peace remain bleak. “Russia wants this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs,” he declared poignantly.

As the repercussions of this tragic event unfold, the world watches closely, demanding accountability and justice for the people of Ukraine amidst the ongoing violence and suffering.