On April 13, 2025, a Russian missile strike devastated the city center of Sumy, Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 civilians, including two children, and injuring 117 others. The attack, which occurred around 10:20 a.m. local time, involved two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, with preliminary reports indicating the use of cluster munitions
The missiles struck during Palm Sunday celebrations, targeting areas near the Sumy State University Congress Center and a trolleybus filled with passengers. Among the victims were Olena Kohut, an organist with the Sumy Regional Philharmonic Orchestra, and Colonel Yuri Yula, vice-commander of the 26th Rocket Artillery Brigade. The attack also destroyed multiple buildings and vehicles, causing significant damage to residential structures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as deliberate terrorism and called for stronger international pressure on Russia. He urged allies to send additional air defense systems to protect Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the targeting of civilians during a religious holiday as “absolute evil,” appealing to international partners for enhanced air defense capabilities.
International leaders responded with strong condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz labeled the attack a serious war crime and called for stronger action to impose a ceasefire. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also denounced the violence. In response to the attack, Sumy has declared three days of mourning. The incident underscores the ongoing and devastating impact of the conflict on Ukrainian civilians
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
