**Russian Missile Strike Kills Dozens in Ukraine’s Sumy City**
A devastating Russian ballistic missile strike hit the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing dozens of people and injuring many more. According to Mayor Artem Kobzar, 21 people were killed and at least 83 others were injured, including seven children.
The attack occurred just after 10:00 am local time, when Ukraine’s Air Force issued a warning about an impending ballistic missile threat in Sumy Oblast. By the time the strike happened, it was too late to take evasive action. The missile hit a crowded city street, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on his Telegram channel, saying that “enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street… And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday.” He also emphasized the need for pressure on Russia to stop such attacks.
**The Attack and Its Context**
The attack comes as Washington attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire last month, but Moscow has refused to comply and continues to launch attacks on Ukraine’s civilian centers. The US is trying to mediate negotiations between the two countries, with President Donald Trump saying that talks were “going fine” just the day before the attack.
However, this latest incident highlights the challenges of finding a peaceful solution in the conflict. Moscow launched its spring offensive targeting Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts on April 9, which may have contributed to the increased aggression from Russian forces.
**Consequences and Reactions**
The aftermath of the attack was chaotic, with videos circulating on social media showing bodies strewn across the street and several vehicles damaged or destroyed. President Zelensky expressed outrage and demanded that Russia be held accountable for its actions.
As Ukraine struggles to cope with the consequences of this attack, it’s clear that finding a peaceful solution will require significant pressure on Moscow to change its behavior.
**Analysis**
This latest incident highlights the brutal nature of modern warfare, where civilians are often caught in the crossfire. The fact that this attack happened on Palm Sunday only adds to the tragedy and senselessness of it all.
The US’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine may have been hampered by Moscow’s refusal to comply with Kyiv’s conditions. As tensions escalate, it’s clear that more needs to be done to pressure Russia into changing its behavior.
For now, the focus is on providing aid and support to those affected by this tragic event. But as the conflict continues to unfold, it’s essential that we remember the human cost of war and work towards finding a peaceful solution for all parties involved.
**Read More**
To learn more about this developing story, read our original article: Russia kills over 20 in Sumy on Palm Sunday