UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire following a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy.
The attack, which occurred on April 13, killed at least 32 civilians, including two children, and injured dozens more. Ukrainian authorities reported that residential areas were targeted in the early morning strike, causing widespread destruction.
In separate statements, both leaders condemned the attack. Chancellor Scholz said the images from Sumy were “horrifying” and underscored the urgent need to stop the bloodshed. Prime Minister Starmer echoed the call, urging Russia to cease all hostilities immediately and commit to diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also appealed to the international community for increased support and tighter sanctions against Moscow in response to the attack.
The Kremlin has not yet publicly responded to the calls for a ceasefire.