Over 30 killed in Sumy after Russian missile strike: Aftermath revealed

The main:

• Russia hit the center of Sumy with two ballistic missiles.
• As a result of the missile attack, 84 people were injured, including 10 children, and 32 people were killed.
• The city has suffered serious destruction, with residential and non-residential buildings and transport damaged.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the missile attack.

What's known about the attack on Sumy

Today at around 10:15 AM (Kyiv time), an air raid alert was declared in Kyiv, eastern, part of the northern and central regions. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned about the threat of the use of ballistic weapons from Kursk.

Later, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a high-speed target in the Sumy region. A few minutes later, explosions were reported in Sumy.

Subsequently, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, reported a strike on Sumy.

Later, Kovalenko noted that the Russians deliberately launched missiles at civilians in Sumy on Palm Sunday so that there would be many casualties.

"And this is after Witkoff's visit to Moscow to Putin. The previous time, they struck Kryvyi Rih, where many children died, after Dmytriyev visited Washington, who also met with Witkoff. Russia builds all its so-called diplomacy and racket around strikes on civilians," noted the head of the CCD, Kovalenko.

Two missiles hit the center of the city

As specified by the Sumy Regional Military Administration, the enemy struck the center of Sumy with two ballistic missiles. The opponent attacked the city's civilian infrastructure, damaging residential and non-residential buildings.

The city council reported that an emergency response headquarters is being set up to address the consequences of the emergency situation.

Photo: Russia launches a missile attack on Sumy (t.me/sumskamiskarada)

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko noted that Russia targeted the city center with ballistic missiles when there were many people on the streets.

"People were injured right in the middle of the street, in cars, public transport, and houses," stated the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Photo: Russian missiles hit the center of Sumy (t.me/Klymenko_MVS)

The police have restricted access to the affected area. Residents are asked to comply with the established restrictions so that emergency services can work quickly.

According to the Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the epicenter of the attack was the building of the regional Center for Human Rights Protection. The ombudsman's office was destroyed to the ground.

t.me/dmytro_lubinetzs

t.me/dmytro_lubinetzs

t.me/dmytro_lubinetzs

The head of the Sumy Military District Military Command, Volodymyr Artiukh, said that Russia had attacked Sumy with missiles with cluster munitions. According to him, the enemy missile exploded in the air.

Artiukh added that the Sumy State University was damaged as a result of the Russian attack.

Dozens of wounded and dead

"Today, as a result of the missile strike, there are many dead... The enemy struck again at the peaceful population," wrote acting mayor of Sumy Artem Kobzar on social media.

Information about the victims in Sumy was confirmed by the Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak.

"The Russians struck Sumy with missiles, killing civilians," he stated on Telegram.

Later, Kobzar reported that more than 20 dead are already confirmed in Sumy.

According to the Interior Minister, as of 11:55 AM (Kyiv time), at least 20 people were injured, and 21 people were killed in Sumy.

Updated at 12:10 AM (Kyiv time)

According to the Sumy Regional Prosecutor's Office, the number of victims has increased to 34, including five children.

facebook.com/Sumy_regional_prosecutor's_office

Updated at 12:30 PM (Kyiv time)

The number of victims in Sumy has increased to 83 people. This was reported by the Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. According to him, there are seven children among the victims.

In a commentary to RBC-Ukraine, the Interior Minister said that the number of victims could grow.

“Russia launched two ballistic missile strikes on Sumy this morning. The arrivals were recorded clearly in the city center. Today is Palm Sunday, a lot of people were on the street, and the church where the consecration is taking place is located nearby. It was at this time that the Russians struck, clearly realizing that they were hitting civilians,” Klymenko said.

Updated at 1:00 PM (Kyiv time)

According to the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, most of the victims were in the trolleybus, almost all passengers died.

“This is a trolleybus of death, unfortunately, there were a lot of people, children. As of this moment, 21 people are dead, 84 are wounded, including seven children,” said the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration.

Updated at 1:20 PM (Kyiv time)

The death toll in Sumy due to the Russian strike has risen to 24, including a child. This was reported by the State Emergency Service. 84 people were injured, including seven children.

Updated at 1:50 PM (Kyiv time)

According to the State Emergency Service, the number of victims has increased to 31, including two children. 84 people were injured, including 10 children.

Updated at 2:30 PM (Kyiv time)

Rescuers reported an increase in the number of victims to 32 people. Emergency and rescue operations in Sumy continue.

Zelenskyy's reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the Russian ballistic strike on Sumy. He emphasized that the attack hit an ordinary city street: homes, educational institutions, and cars.

"According to preliminary data, there are dozens of dead and wounded civilians. Only scum can act like this, taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. The rescue operation is ongoing. All necessary services are working," stated Zelenskyy.

The head of state called on Europe, the USA, and all those in the world who want an end to the war to respond to Russia's terrorist act.

"Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Conversations have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. Such treatment of Russia is needed, one that a terrorist deserves," the president emphasized.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also responded to the hostile attack. He emphasized that the Russians carried out a horrific attack on Palm Sunday, a major Christian holiday.

Sybiha added that Ukraine is sharing detailed information about this war crime with partners and international institutions.

“We urge our partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense equipment and increase pressure on Moscow. Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to this horrific terror,” Sibiga wrote on Twitter.

European Union Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova called for more pressure on Russia on her Facebook page, commenting on the horrific Russian missile attack on the city of Sumy.

“This is a terrible tragedy. The attack on believers on Palm Sunday is a war crime. It seems that nothing is sacred for Russians - neither churches nor Ukrainian children. Europe is increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine in every way possible. It is time for the whole world to wake up. My sincere condolences to all the families,” the EU Ambassador said.

Previously, on the night of April 13, the Russian army launched 55 drones on Ukraine. Air defense forces destroyed 43 of them. Another 12 enemy mock drones were lost in the location.

That night, Russia attempted to attack Kyiv with strike drones. According to local authorities, 30 drones were recorded in the capital district near Kyiv. Air defense destroyed 19 drones. In Kyiv, no hits were recorded due to the night attack.