In a devastating escalation of violence, Russia launched a brutal missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, killing at least 32 people and injuring 83 others.
The attack, which occurred close to the border between Ukraine and Russia, has left the community in shock and terror.
The powerful Iskander-M missiles hit a trolley bus, resulting in a horrific scene with victims lying in the streets, bloodied and lifeless after two massive explosions.
Chaos and Destruction in Sumy
The strike, which took place on a day when Ukrainians were preparing for Palm Sunday celebrations, has been described as an unthinkable act of terror.
The explosion tore through the city center, setting a trolley bus and a car on fire.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the terrifying sight of people trapped inside vehicles, while the city’s Congress Centre, part of the university, was also hit by the missiles.
The attack marks one of the most devastating strikes in the ongoing conflict, as the city of Sumy was once again caught in the crossfire of Russia’s ongoing military offensive.
Political and International Reactions
As the rescue operation continues, Ukrainian leaders have condemned the strike and demanded a stronger response from the global community.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his outrage, calling it a “terrible strike” on civilians, particularly on a religious holiday when families would have been at church or out on the streets.
He emphasized that such actions can only be described as the work of a “scoundrel” and appealed for the world to take tougher action against Russia.
In a public statement, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, confirmed that the attack targeted civilians, and Andriy Kobzar, the acting mayor of Sumy, called it a “terrible tragedy” for the community.
Both officials underscored the sheer cruelty of such an attack, especially during Palm Sunday, a peaceful religious observance for Ukrainians.
The Growing Toll on Ukrainian Civilians
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, highlighted the significant impact of the missile strike, noting that it targeted one of the most peaceful times in the Ukrainian calendar.
The strike not only resulted in a loss of life but also destroyed key civilian infrastructure, including the Human Rights Protection Centre in Sumy.
Lubinets decried the strike as a blatant act of terror aimed at the most vulnerable members of society.
Meanwhile, Anatoliy Fedoruk, the mayor of Bucha, another city heavily affected by Russia’s campaign earlier in the war, condemned the attack, calling it a continuation of the “terror” that Russia has imposed on Ukraine.
Fedoruk accused Russia of carrying out these attacks with no regard for human life, leaving destruction and devastation in its wake.
Global Call for Action Against Russian Aggression
As the crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to address Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky and Human Rights Ombudsman Lubinets, have called for immediate international action, urging the United States, Europe, and other global powers to unite against Russia’s “terror tactics.”
Zelensky reiterated his belief that peace can only be achieved if the world takes a stand against Russia’s actions, stressing that without such pressure, the war will continue with devastating consequences.
The missile strike in Sumy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing brutality of the conflict, and the lives lost in this attack are yet another painful chapter in the long history of suffering for the Ukrainian people.
The world watches as Ukraine continues to plead for help, with hopes that the international community will rise to the challenge of ending this senseless violence.