**European Leaders Condemn Russia’s Missile Attack on Ukraine**
In a shocking display of violence, Russia launched two ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 32 people and injuring 84. The attack has been widely condemned by European leaders, who are calling for strong measures to be taken against Russia.
**A Day of Peace Turned into Bloodshed**
The missile strike occurred on a day when many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday of Palm Sunday, just two days after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss peace negotiations. The attack has been described as “heartbreaking” by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
**War Crime or Intentional Attack?**
EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has called the attack on churchgoers during Palm Sunday a “war crime”. She added that Europe is increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine in every possible way. Moldova‘s President Maia Sandu also condemned the attack, calling for more air defense for Ukraine and saying that “Palm Sunday is a day of peace”.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
Despite Kyiv agreeing to a full 30-day ceasefire after US-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11, Russia has continued its aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media platform X that the attack was a clear example of Russia’s disregard for human lives and international law.
**Leaders Call for Action**
European leaders are now calling for strong measures to be taken against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that “horrific” examples like this show Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressed that aid to Ukraine cannot be delayed, saying that “no pressure on Russia means no peace”.
**Belarusian Opposition Leader Speaks Out**
The leader of the exiled Belarusian opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, wrote on X that Putin’s regime shows once again that it does not want peace. She added that there is no justification for such evil and that Russia must be held accountable.
**What’s Next?**
As European leaders continue to condemn the attack, the international community waits with bated breath for a response from Russia. Will this shocking display of violence lead to stronger measures being taken against Russia, or will it continue its aggression? Only time will tell.
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