**Russia’s Deadly Attack on Sumy: A Despicable Act of Violence**
On April 13, Russia launched a devastating missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least 34 people and injuring over 117 others. The attack occurred on Palm Sunday, as many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday in the leadup to Easter.
The US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, condemned the attack, saying it “crosses any line of decency.” As a former military leader, Kellogg understands the concept of targeting and acknowledged that this was a deliberate act of violence against civilians. This is not an isolated incident; Russia has been launching attacks on Ukrainian civilian centers despite Kyiv’s agreement to a 30-day ceasefire last month.
**A Call for Consequences**
European leaders have echoed Kellogg’s condemnation, stating that the deliberate attack on civilians indicates that Russia is not ready for peace. Several leaders called for increased sanctions and pressure against Moscow. However, Kellogg’s statement fell short of demanding any consequences for Russia’s actions.
Reports indicate that cluster munitions were used in the attack, increasing the devastation and harm to civilians. This type of weaponry is designed to cause maximum damage and should not be used in urban areas.
**The Diplomatic Efforts**
In an effort to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump‘s Special Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 11. Despite this meeting, the talks have been slow to progress, and Moscow has continued to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilian centers.
Witkoff’s approach to the peace process in Ukraine is at odds with that of Kellogg, who has been relegated to a supporting role as Trump’s Special Middle East Envoy. The US President’s comments on April 12 stated that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were “going fine,” but emphasized that a resolution must come soon.
**The Human Cost**
Pavlo Ivanov, a 26-year-old Ukrainian pilot of an F-16 fighter jet, was killed during a combat mission on April 12. This is just another example of the high human cost of this conflict, which has been ongoing for months.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched a total of 88 drones, including Shahed-type loitering munitions and various decoy drones, from the directions of Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia. This is a clear indication that Russia is not committed to finding peace through diplomatic means.
**The Way Forward**
As the conflict continues, it’s essential for international leaders to call out Russia’s actions and demand consequences for its aggression. The use of cluster munitions and other types of weaponry designed to cause maximum damage should be condemned in the strongest terms.
Ukraine has more than doubled its production of long-range drones in 2024 compared to the previous year, which is a significant step towards countering Russian aggression. However, this conflict can only be resolved through peaceful means, and international leaders must work together to bring Russia back to the negotiating table.
**The Human Cost Will Continue**
Until Russia is held accountable for its actions, the human cost of this conflict will continue to rise. The international community must come together to condemn these acts of violence and demand that Russia find a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
In an official statement from April 12, “Khortytsia” reported that although no offensive actions were carried out by Russian troops in the Kharkiv direction over the last day, Russians are actively replenishing their units and getting ready to resume offensive operations in the region. This is a clear indication that Russia is not committed to finding peace through diplomatic means.
The initiative is part of a broader Nordic-Baltic effort to support Ukraine’s land forces. Norway will take the lead role in the training component, working in close coordination with Ukrainian authorities and allied nations.
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. But it is important not to manipulate,” he said.
The people of Sumy will never forget the senseless violence they experienced on Palm Sunday, and international leaders must ensure that Russia faces consequences for its actions.