Death Toll Rises Following Attack on Sumy

As of 1 PM on Sunday, the number of confirmed fatalities from Russia's ballistic missile strike on Sumy has risen to 31, including two children, according to Ukraine's emergency services. Additionally, at least 84 individuals have been injured, with reports indicating that among the victims, ten were children.

A video shared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media reveals seemingly lifeless bodies scattered across a street, while fires rage in the background. The President emphasized the tragedy, stating that Russian missiles struck a regular city street, targeting ordinary lives.

The attack occurred in central Sumy shortly after 10 AM on Palm Sunday, a day when many Ukrainians congregated to attend church services. President Zelenskyy condemned the act as inhumane, asserting that only the most despicable individuals would engage in such violence against innocent civilians.

Prior to the strike, Sumy's mayor, Artem Kobzar, posted on Telegram to report that "the enemy has once again attacked civilians." He described the incident as a "terrible tragedy," with initial reports confirming over 20 deaths and more than 80 injuries, as stated by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

In recent weeks, Sumy, located in northeastern Ukraine approximately 50 kilometers from the Russian border, has experienced an increase in Russian attacks. Before the conflict, the city had a population exceeding 250,000.

This deadly incident occurred just two days after a meeting in St. Petersburg between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding ceasefire discussions, as noted by various media outlets. Andriy Kovalenko from Ukraine's National Security Council criticized the situation, claiming that Russia's so-called diplomacy is built upon attacks against civilians.

Reports also indicate that overnight, Russia targeted other areas, including Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. According to the Kyiv Post, 19 out of 30 drones aimed at Kyiv were intercepted, with no damage reported from the capital.