A Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s Sumy, one of the deadliest in months, has sparked global condemnation, with U.S. President Donald Trump labeling it a “horrible thing” and a “mistake.” The Palm Sunday attack killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured over 100, devastating the city’s center.
Two ballistic missiles struck Sumy, near Russia’s border, demolishing a university, apartments, cafes, shops, and a court, Ukrainian officials reported. The assault came days after Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Russian President Vladimir Putin to push for an end to the three-year war. “I think it was terrible… But I think it’s a horrible thing,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, declining to clarify who made the “mistake.”
“I think it was terrible… But I think it’s a horrible thing,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, declining to clarify who made the “mistake.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a “deranged” act, urging Trump to visit Ukraine to see the war’s toll. “Come to see civilians, warriors, hospitals, children destroyed or dead,” he said on CBS, noting the strike’s timing on a Christian holiday. Eight survivors remain in critical condition, with 117 total injuries reported.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “devastating pattern” of Russian attacks. Witnesses described chaos, with burning cars and bodies amid rubble. Ukraine confirmed Russia used Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles.
European leaders echoed outrage. France’s Emmanuel Macron criticized Russia’s disregard for lives, Britain’s Keir Starmer called it “appalling,” Germany’s Friedrich Merz labeled it a “war crime,” and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni deemed it “cowardly.”
“war crime”- Friedrich Merz
Sumy faces growing threats as Russia advances nearby. The strike follows another deadly attack in Kryvi Rih, killing 18. Trump’s peace talks continue, but Zelensky warned that “talking doesn’t stop missiles.” The investigation is ongoing.
“cowardly”- Meloni
Key Points: Deadly Russian Missile Strike on Sumy, Ukraine
- Attack Details: Two Russian ballistic missiles struck Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34, including two children, and injuring over 100, damaging a university, apartments, cafes, shops, and a court.
- Trump’s Response: U.S. President Donald Trump called the strike a “horrible thing” and a “mistake,” but did not clarify further, speaking after his envoy’s recent talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
- Global Condemnation: Leaders including France’s Macron, Britain’s Starmer, Germany’s Merz, and Italy’s Meloni condemned the attack as a war crime, cowardly, and a violation of international law.
- Zelensky’s Plea: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the war’s devastation, calling the attack a “deranged” act timed on a Christian holiday.
- Ongoing Context: The strike follows another deadly attack in Kryvi Rih and comes amid Russia’s advances near Sumy, with Trump pushing for peace talks despite Moscow’s rejection of a ceasefire.
