On Sunday, April 13, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. local time, Russian forces launched two ballistic missile strikes on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. The attack, which targeted residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulted in at least 34 deaths, including two children, and left 117 others injured. Among the injured were 15 children, according to regional officials.
This marks the deadliest single assault on civilians in Ukraine since the beginning of the year.
Missiles Strike During Religious Observance
The strike coincided with Palm Sunday, an important holiday for Ukraine’s Orthodox Christian community. At the time of the attack, many residents were on their way to church services. The missiles hit multiple sites, including residential buildings, a public trolleybus carrying passengers, and the Congress Center of Sumy State University — a venue often used for children’s educational programs and community gatherings.
Local authorities stated that the missiles used were Iskander-M ballistic rockets, potentially equipped with cluster munitions. The use of such weapons significantly increased the blast radius and civilian casualties. Ukraine’s Sumy Regional Military Administration confirmed that both strikes were carried out using ballistic missiles, which caused widespread destruction to both residential and non-residential infrastructure.
Ukrainian and International Reaction
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack in harsh terms, calling it a “terrorist act” and stating that “only absolute degenerates are capable of such cruelty.” He urged the international community to take stronger action, emphasizing that “talks have never stopped ballistic missiles or bombs.”
The mayor of Konotop, a nearby city, Artem Semenikhin, publicly demanded the resignation of Sumy’s regional military administrator Volodymyr Artyukh and the head of the regional Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). In a fiery public statement, he accused Artyukh of organizing a military award ceremony in the city center on the morning of the attack — potentially exposing civilians to danger while military personnel were safely moved to shelters.
According to Semenikhin, servicemen of Ukraine’s 117th Brigade were being honored in the building that was ultimately struck. He alleged that while soldiers had time to take cover, the lack of protective measures for civilians contributed to the high death toll.
Search and Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Emergency services continue to work at the scene. Rescue crews are searching for survivors under the rubble, while medical teams are treating the wounded. Authorities have urged residents to follow safety instructions and remain alert to potential follow-up attacks.
In response to the tragedy, Ukraine has declared national days of mourning.
Global Condemnation
International leaders were quick to denounce the missile strike.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed condolences to the victims and reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to peace. “This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his administration continue to pursue a lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine,” Rubio said.
Bridget Brink, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, called the use of ballistic missiles and cluster munitions “an appalling assault on civilians,” noting that 32 civilians were killed and 99 wounded, per her latest figures.
Keith Kellogg, special envoy for Ukraine in the Trump administration, described the attack as “beyond the bounds of decency” and reaffirmed U.S. efforts to bring the conflict to a close.
European leaders also condemned the strike in strong terms:
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia “alone chooses to prolong the war, ignoring human life and international law.”
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the attack “exposes the hollow nature of Russia’s proclaimed readiness for peace.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and condemned the targeting of civilians.
- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the attack was “a slap in the face to anyone who wants peace.”
- Moldovan President Maia Sandu stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense systems, saying, “Palm Sunday is a day of peace. This morning, while people gathered to pray, Russia bombed Sumy. There is no justification for such evil.”
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on social media: “Russia’s version of a truce. A bloody Palm Sunday, Sumy, Ukraine.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that “Russia was and remains the aggressor” and called for stronger measures.
- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas described the strike as “a horrific example” of escalating Russian aggression.
- European Council President António Costa said the war continues “only because Russia chooses so.”
- Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset called the missile strike “another unbearable shock” and stressed accountability for those responsible.
- Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, “There are no words left to describe the cruelty and evil of Russia,” reaffirming support for Ukraine.
Humanitarian Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The missile strikes on Sumy are part of an ongoing pattern of Russian attacks targeting civilian areas, despite calls for de-escalation and ceasefires. The use of high-yield weapons in urban zones has drawn increasing criticism from human rights organizations and international observers.
While rescue efforts continue in Sumy, the scale of destruction serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human toll of the war in Ukraine — a conflict now entering its third year with no clear resolution in sight.
Russia’s deadliest strike on Ukraine in 2025: photo
