**Russian Missile Attack on Sumy Exposed by Ukrainian Officials**
On April 13, Russia launched a devastating ballistic missile attack on the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, killing at least 34 people and injuring over 100 others. The attack occurred on Palm Sunday morning, when many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday.
According to Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the regional Governor Volodymyr Artiukh had planned an awards ceremony for the 117th Brigade in Sumy on the same day as the attack. Semenikhin claimed that this event posed a significant risk to civilians and military personnel, and that it was used by Russia as a pretext to launch the attack.
“Artiukh helped (Russia) justify their terrorist attack, a genocidal attack on us, Ukrainians,” Semenikhin said in a video posted on Facebook. “He organized the presentation of certificates and medals to our guys, heroes, here today. From one of the brigades, the 117th brigade.”
Semenikhin’s statement suggests that Russia may have deliberately targeted civilians, particularly children, in the attack. The large gathering of soldiers at the awards ceremony created a target for Russian forces to strike, putting nearby civilians at risk.
**Ukrainian Officials React**
The Ukrainian government has condemned the attack and vowed to investigate those responsible. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions on four politicians and prominent business figures on April 12, just days before the Sumy attack.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s desire for peace but warned against the misuse of the term. “We want to end this war this year,” he said. “But it is important not to manipulate.”
**International Reaction**
The international community has also condemned the Russian missile attack on Sumy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that the United States extends its deepest condolences to the victims of the attack.
“Reports indicate, as in Kryvyi Rih, cluster munitions were used, increasing the devastation and harm to civilians,” outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an investigation into Russia’s actions and for increased sanctions on Moscow.
**Background**
This attack comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. On April 11, a high-level meeting was held in Russia, where U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian officials have also accused Russia of using civilians as human shields during the conflict. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that a 26-year-old pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, was killed during a combat mission on April 12.
**Investigations**
The investigation into the Sumy attack is ongoing. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial to understand the motives behind Russia’s actions and whether they deliberately targeted civilians.
In the meantime, Ukrainian officials are calling for peace and an end to the conflict. “We want to end this war this year,” said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.