**Russia’s Brutal Attack on Sumy Leaves Devastation and Fear**
On April 13, a devastating attack by Russia left the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine reeling. Two ballistic missiles hurtled towards the city, killing 34 people, including two children, and injuring at least 117 others. The attack has sparked outrage and raised questions about Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations.
The strike targeted civilian buildings, with the worst damage inflicted on the Congress Center of Sumy State University. Residential buildings, a church, shops, and businesses were also hit, leaving many people without homes or livelihoods. Cukr, an independent Ukrainian media outlet based in Sumy, suffered minor damage to their office.
**A Day After Trump’s Optimistic Comments**
Just a day before the attack, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, saying that negotiations were “going fine.” However, European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron, questioned Russia’s commitment to peace after the attack.
**Zelensky Calls for More Pressure on Russia**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the attack by calling for more pressure on Russia. He pointed out that talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs from hitting Ukrainian cities. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not be deterred in its efforts to protect its citizens.
**Investigation and Emergency Response**
Emergency services arrived quickly to battle fires and help victims, while investigators and forensic teams collected evidence of the attack. Psychologists were also on site to support those affected by the trauma. Ukraine’s military intelligence tracked down the launch site to the towns of Liski and Lezhenki in Russia.
**Russia’s Spring Offensive**
The attack is part of a larger pattern of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials and experts believe that Russia’s spring offensive, which has seen Moscow ramp up its operations and mobilize forces, is an attempt to strengthen its hand in potential negotiations. Putin‘s decision to draft 160,000 men into the army for six months has also raised concerns about Russia’s intentions.
**Experts Weigh In**
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi estimated that there are currently 623,000 Russian troops deployed in Ukraine and warned that Moscow has the capacity to mobilize 5 million trained troops. He emphasized that every month, Russia increases its force by 8,000-9,000.
**A City in Shambles**
As the city of Sumy struggles to come to terms with the devastating attack, residents are left living in fear, unsure when or if another strike will occur. The second ballistic missile was particularly deadly, loaded with fragments and exploding mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people on the street.
**Support for Ukrainian Media Outlets**
Cukr, the independent Ukrainian media outlet that suffered minor damage during the attack, is in need of support from readers. A one-time donation or Patreon subscription can help them continue their important work.
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