In a devastating escalation of the ongoing war in Ukraine, at least 34 civilians were killed and over 117 injured, including 15 children, in a Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations. The attack, which occurred on April 13, 2025, marks the deadliest assault on Ukrainian civilians this year.
The attack happened around 10:20 a.m. local time, just as residents were gathering for religious services and family events. Two Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles, reportedly armed with cluster munitions, hit key civilian areas in the city center. One missile struck a crowded trolleybus, while the other targeted a state university conference center, where a children’s theater performance was underway. Among the victims was Olena Kohut, a respected organist of the Sumy Regional Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a deliberate act of terror, noting its timing during a significant Christian holiday. He also highlighted Russia’s refusal of an international ceasefire proposal as evidence of its unwillingness to de-escalate. European leaders were quick to respond, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron denouncing the attack as a war crime. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the missile strike was a horrific example of Russia's increased aggression despite Ukraine’s efforts to achieve peace.
The attack came just two days after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, where discussions aimed at negotiating a broader settlement were underway. Although Ukraine expressed support for a proposed ceasefire, Russia reportedly imposed significant conditions and continued its military offensive against civilian targets.
The Sumy region, which borders Russia, has seen a sharp rise in attacks in recent weeks. Russian forces have intensified aerial and missile operations in the area, and there are reports that several nearby settlements have come under temporary Russian occupation. The use of cluster munitions in such heavily populated areas has raised serious international legal and humanitarian concerns.
The missile strike on Palm Sunday underscores the growing danger faced by civilians and has increased pressure on the international community to hold Russia accountable. As the conflict drags on, global leaders are being urged to take stronger measures to bring about an end to the violence and support Ukraine in defending its people.