A Russian ballistic missile attack on Sumy, Ukraine, claimed at least 31 lives during Palm Sunday celebrations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on April 13, 2025. The strike, which targeted the city’s central area, occurred as families gathered to mark the sacred Christian holiday.
Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar confirmed that two missiles hit the city center on Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to residential buildings, a university, cafes, shops, the district court, and vehicles in a public square. Emergency services worked through the night to rescue victims and locate survivors.
Zelenskyy, in a statement posted to his official X account, labeled the assault a deliberate act of terror aimed at disrupting civilian life on a day dedicated to peace and worship. He reported 68 injuries, with eight individuals in critical condition, and noted that medical teams were working tirelessly to save lives.
The attack damaged 20 buildings in total, according to the president’s preliminary assessment. Rescue operations continued with the involvement of emergency medical teams, the State Emergency Service, the National Police, municipal services, and volunteers, ensuring aid reached those affected.
Condemning Russia’s actions, Zelenskyy called for a robust global response, emphasizing that the ongoing use of ballistic missiles and aerial bombs highlighted the failure of diplomatic measures to halt the violence. He warned that without international pressure on Russia, peace would remain unattainable, as such attacks only prolong the war, now in its third year.
Expressing gratitude to those assisting at the scene, he reiterated his appeal to the United States, Europe, and the international community to stand with Ukraine in defending civilian lives against what he described as Russia’s campaign of terror.
