Starmer urges Putin to halt attacks, condemns appalling Sumy strike
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the Russian missile strike on Sumy on April 13. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin must immediately agree to a complete ceasefire.
Starmer noted that he was shocked by Russia's horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy.
"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.
Strike on Sumy
Today, on April 13, Russian forces launched two ballistic missile strikes on Sumy. The city center, where many people were at the time, was hit. At the moment of the strikes, people were simply walking down the street, sitting in their cars, or riding public transport.
Initial reports indicated 21 dead and 20 wounded, but later, the number of casualties increased to 34, then to 83. Around 3:30 PM Kyiv time, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that the number of victims had risen to 99, including 11 children.
The majority of those injured were in a trolleybus that was passing near the epicenter of one of the strikes. Almost everyone inside the electric transport died.
The enemy's tactics during today's shelling were similar to those used in a recent attack in Kryvyi Rih. As local authorities noted, Russia once again launched a missile with cluster munitions, and the enemy's rocket exploded over the city.
World reaction to the tragedy in Sumy
French President Emmanuel Macron sharply responded to the shelling of Sumy. He stated that it is well-known that only Russia wanted this war. According to the French president, it is now clear that only Russia has chosen to continue it "contrary to human lives, international law and the diplomatic proposals of President (US President Donald - ed.) Trump."
Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also spoke out about the Russian attack on Sumy. He noted that the attack "crosses any line of decency." Kellogg added that as a former military commander, he understands what targeted strikes are, emphasizing that this is wrong.
For more reactions from Western leaders regarding the Russian missile strike on Sumy, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
