A Russian missile strike hit the city center of Sumy in Ukraine on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025. According to official reports, 34 people were killed, including 2 children, and nearly 120 were injured, including 15 children.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it was a barbaric and merciless attack as people peacefully celebrated Palm Sunday. He called it the work of "scoundrels" and called on countries such as the U.S. and Europe to take strong action against Russia.
Using two ballistic missiles, Russia targeted the area, which Ukraine’s military intelligence said were Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles. There were burnt vehicles and collapsed buildings in the area, as rescuers continued to search for survivors.
US and European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and others, condemned the attack, which they said was an example of Russia's disregard for international law and innocent lives. The European Commission called it a "bloody Palm Sunday".
Sumy is close to the Russian border and has long been at risk of attacks. In recent weeks, Russia has become more aggressive, and this is one of the most violent attacks on civilians this year.
