21 Lives Lost in Russian Missile Strike on Sumy, Ukraine
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Synopsis
A Russian missile attack in Sumy has tragically claimed 21 lives and injured many others, raising urgent calls for international action against ongoing violence in Ukraine. This event occurred shortly after diplomatic efforts aimed at ceasefire discussions.
Key Takeaways
- 21 fatalities reported in Sumy missile strike.
- 34 individuals injured, including children.
- Attack occurred amidst diplomatic talks for a ceasefire.
- Ukrainian President calls for global response.
- Sumy faces intensified attacks in recent weeks.
Kyiv, April 13 (NationPress) On Sunday, a Russian ballistic missile strike resulted in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, according to a statement from Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office.
This brutal attack on civilians occurred following the visit of White House special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia, aimed at facilitating ceasefire discussions, as reported by Xinhua.
The missile assault also left 34 individuals injured, including five children, as stated in the official report.
The Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that two ballistic missiles fired by Russian forces struck the city center, resulting in extensive damage to both residential and non-residential structures.
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of midday local time.
Sumy, located near the Russian border, has faced escalating attacks in recent weeks.
This strike occurred just two days after Witkoff's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite US President Donald Trump's call for Moscow to cease hostilities in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Ukraine's state emergency service declared, "Russia targeted the city center with ballistic missiles at a time when many civilians were outside."
"Injuries occurred in the street, in vehicles, public transport, and residences," the emergency service reported as rescue efforts continued.
Preliminary reports indicate that 21 individuals have lost their lives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to the global community for a decisive response to this attack.
Zelensky urged for a strong reaction from both Europe and the US.
"Enemy missiles struck an ordinary city street, disrupting everyday life: homes, schools, and vehicles on the street," he expressed on social media.
He noted that this attack occurred on a day of worship: Palm Sunday, commemorating the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem.
Despite the Witkoff-Putin discussions in St. Petersburg on Friday, Zelensky remarked, "Dialogue has never deterred ballistic missiles or bombs."
Local officials in Sumy released footage showing bodies lying in the streets, civilians fleeing to safety, and burning vehicles.
This incident unfolded despite Trump publicly expressing frustration with Moscow earlier this month for its relentless bombardment in Ukraine and urging it to expedite efforts to end the prolonged conflict.
Russia has continued its aggressive military campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks.
Earlier in April, a Russian strike on the central city of Kryvyi Rig resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including nine children.
Sumy has been increasingly vulnerable since Russian forces have pushed back many of Ukraine's troops from the Kursk region across the border.
