Ukrainian emergency services responded promptly following a devastating missile attack on the city of Sumy, where at least 32 people died, including two children, and a further 84 were reported injured, with ten of those being minors. The strikes occurred around 10:30 AM on Palm Sunday, coinciding with local residents gathering for celebrations ahead of Easter, making the incident particularly tragic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, calling for global awareness and action against Russian aggression. "It is very important for everyone in the world not to remain silent, not to remain indifferent," he stated. "Russian strikes deserve only condemnation. Pressure is needed on Russia to end the war and guarantee people's safety." Zelensky’s remarks highlight the urgency he sees in addressing the ongoing conflict, which has seen intensified hostilities in the north-eastern region of Ukraine in recent weeks.
The missile attack in Sumy is noted to be one of the deadliest this year, occurring just over a month after a limited ceasefire was established, raising questions about the future of peace negotiations. The city has faced repeated assaults from Russian forces, underlining the persistent volatility in the region.
This recent strike follows a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff to St Petersburg, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before the attacks. Relations between Russia and Ukraine remain strained, with both sides continuing to express opposing views on ceasefire conditions. While Putin has shown a willingness to entertain a short-term ceasefire, any agreement appears contingent upon terms favourable to Russia, including guarantees that Ukraine would not pursue NATO membership.
In a televised address this year, Putin noted, "We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities. But our position is based on the assumption the ceasefire will lead to a long-term peace and would eliminate the root causes of this crisis." This statement, made during a meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, underscores Moscow's reluctance to engage in agreements it views as unfavourable or incomplete.
The situation remains dire as the Kremlin continues to assert its position, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that negotiations regarding a resolution in Ukraine are ongoing but are complicated. He remarked that "this process is time-consuming, probably due to the complexity of the substance." This reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the potential for de-escalation in the conflict, with both military actions and diplomatic exchanges continuing to unfold.
As investigations and recovery efforts proceed in Sumy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the continuing conflict in the region.
Source: Noah Wire Services