'Death trolleybus', mass casualties, and reaction to ballistic terror in Sumy: What we know

Here’s what we know about the consequences of the attack on Sumy by the evening, as reported by RBC-Ukraine:

Takeaways:

• Russian forces struck the center of Sumy with two ballistic missiles.

• The attack killed 34 people (including two children) and injured 117 (including 15 children).

• The city suffered significant damage, with residential and non-residential buildings and transport being hit.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other world leaders have responded to the attack.

Details of the attack

Around 10:15 AM Kyiv time, air raid sirens were heard in Kyiv and several other regions of Ukraine. The warning was triggered by the threat of ballistic missiles from Kursk.

Later, the Ukrainian Air Force warned of a fast-moving target in the Sumy region, after which explosions were heard in Sumy.

Two strikes on the city center

The Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that the enemy struck Sumy with two ballistic missiles. Later in the evening, Sumy Regional Military Administration Head Serhii Kryvosheienko stated that the second missile strike caused significant casualties, with many fatalities and injuries.

It is known that the Russians targeted civilian infrastructure in the city. Both residential and non-residential buildings were damaged. According to the Ukrainian Ombudsman for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, the epicenter of the attack was the Regional Center for Human Rights, which was completely destroyed.

In his evening address, President Zelenskyy revealed that the first missile hit one of the buildings at Sumy State University (as previously reported by the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Artyukh). The second missile, Zelenskyy said, exploded just above a street.

Photo: Aftermath of the Russian strike on Sumy, April 13

There were also many victims in a trolleybus that was near the explosion's epicenter.

Updated at 9:37 PM Kyiv time

"In addition to the university, the shelling damaged five apartment buildings, cafes, shops, and the district court. In total, the Russian strike damaged 20 buildings," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified on his social media.

Casualties from the attack

As of 11:55 AM Kyiv time, it was reported that 21 people had been killed and at least 20 were injured. By the evening, these figures had risen. A total of 34 people were killed (including two children), and 117 were injured (including 15 children).

Updated at 9:37 PM Kyiv time

Zelenskyy informed that 68 people are currently in medical facilities, including eight in serious condition.

Reactions from Ukraine and the world

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the attack, emphasizing that the missile strike targeted a regular city street, hitting buildings, educational institutions, and cars. He also called on Europe, the US, and everyone who wants the war to end to respond to the terrorist act committed by Russia.

"Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is prolonging the war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles or airstrikes. We need to treat Russia as a terrorist state deserves," he said.

In his evening address, he again commented on the strike on Sumy, stating that only "completely deranged scum" could carry out such an attack.

"Sumy. As of now, 34 people are known to be dead... These were two Russian ballistic missiles... 117 people were injured, including children, including a girl born in 2025. Doctors, all medical workers, are doing everything they can to help, to save as many as possible... The strike hit right in the city's center, on Palm Sunday. Only absolutely deranged scum could do something like this," the president said.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that, having failed to achieve strategic successes on the battlefield, the Russians are resorting to their usual tactics of waging war on the civilian population.

"Russia is waging war against civilians. It blatantly violates international law, as well as the laws and customs of war. Once again, Russia shows that it does not seek peace. Its goal is to instill fear. But Russia will face only our fury and inevitable retribution," the General Staff said.

The military added that the response to Russian aggression would be harsh.

"We will destroy the enemy, their military facilities, weapons, and equipment — wherever they are. Russian war crimes have no statute of limitations. The perpetrators must be held accountable and punished as they deserve," the statement continued," the General Staff emphasized.

According to Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation, the Russians deliberately struck Sumy with missiles on Palm Sunday to maximize casualties. He also noted that this came after the visit of US special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russian President Vladimir Putin, comparing it to another visit and attack.

"And this happened right after Witkoff’s visit to Moscow to meet with Putin. Last time, they struck Kryvyi Rih — killing many children — just after Dmytriev’s trip to Washington, where he also met with Witkoff. Russia builds all its so-called diplomacy and racketeering around attacks on civilians," he wrote.

The attack also drew reactions from Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that only Russia wanted this war and continues to choose to fight. He emphasized the need for measures to force Russia to cease fire.

"Contrary to human lives, international law and the diplomatic proposals of President (US President Donald - ed.) Trump. Decisive measures are needed to force Russia to cease fire," Macron said.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Putin to immediately agree to a full ceasefire.

"I'm appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy, and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time. President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions," the British Prime Minister emphasized.

The United States also expressed its stance. US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg stated that Russia’s attack on Sumy "crosses any line of decency." He mentioned that, as a former military leader, he understands what targeted strikes mean, emphasizing that this is wrong. He added that this is why Donald Trump is working to end the war.

"Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilians dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting, and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war," he wrote on X.

On behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed his condolences, saying:

"The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy. This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his Administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace," he wrote on X.