At least 34 people were killed and 117 injured, including 15 children, after two Russian ballistic missiles struck the heart of Sumy, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 13. The missiles hit around 10:15 a.m. local time, targeting areas near Sumy State University and the city’s congress center, which local residents described as a hub for children’s classes and community programs.
Ukrainian officials stated that the missiles carried cluster munitions, which are known to scatter smaller explosives across a wide area. The resulting destruction affected residential buildings, educational institutions, shops, and public transportation. Burned vehicles and shattered glass littered the streets in the wake of the attack.
Among the dead were at least two children. A girl born earlier this year was reported among the injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address that medical workers were doing everything possible to treat the wounded. He condemned the attack as an act of terror carried out on Palm Sunday and described the perpetrators as “scoundrels.”
Video footage posted by Zelensky showed scenes of devastation—bodies lying in the street, damaged trams, and emergency crews responding to the blast zone. Residents described the horror of the strike, including Nataliia, who had been taking children to a shelter when one of the missiles hit. “If we hadn’t moved, we would have been in the car and we would be dead,” she told reporters.
Sumy’s acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, declared three days of mourning. The city, located just 25 kilometers from the Russian border, has faced repeated threats during the war but Sunday’s strike was one of the deadliest in the region this year.
The international response was swift. French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack a clear indication that Russia was prolonging the conflict despite diplomatic overtures. “Russia alone chooses to continue this war—with complete disregard for human lives,” he wrote on social media. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the strike “horrific” and urged an immediate ceasefire.
American officials also reacted. Keith Kellogg, special envoy to Ukraine, said the strike “crosses any line of decency.” President Donald Trump, who has been leading talks aimed at ending the war, was briefed on the attack and reiterated his desire for a resolution.
The missiles reportedly struck while some residents were on their way to church for Palm Sunday. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said many of the victims were in transit or walking in the city center when the attack occurred.
Russian authorities have not issued a statement regarding the incident. Russia has denied intentionally targeting civilians during the war, but strikes on non-military areas have continued throughout the conflict.
The International Criminal Court, which Ukraine formally joined earlier this year, is monitoring events and has ongoing investigations into actions by both sides. Ukrainian officials said evidence from the Sumy strike is being shared with international partners.
As rescue efforts continued, Zelensky renewed his appeal for increased pressure on Moscow. “Talks have never stopped missiles or bombs. The only path to peace is through strength,” he said.
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