A deadly Russian missile attack struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people and injuring dozens more. The assault, one of the deadliest in recent weeks, targeted a residential area during a time of religious observance, sparking international outrage and condemnation.
Zelensky: “Only a bastard behaves this way”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with fury and grief, calling Russia a “terrorist state” and demanding a strong global response.
“Only a bastard behaves this way,” Zelensky said in an emotional video message. “Missiles on a peaceful city during Palm Sunday — this is not just a war crime, it is pure terrorism. The world must answer with strength, not words.”
Zelensky called on allies to increase military and humanitarian support, and to implement tougher sanctions against the Kremlin.
Von der Leyen: “A barbaric attack”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined the chorus of condemnation, describing the strike as a “barbaric attack” on civilians and sacred traditions.
“This act of aggression on a religious holiday is vile. We must now push for strong measures to achieve a ceasefire and hold Russia accountable,” she said in a statement released Sunday evening.
A targeted strike or indiscriminate violence?
While Russian officials have not commented on the specific incident, Ukrainian authorities say the missiles hit a densely populated area, far from any military infrastructure. Rescue operations are still underway, and the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and horror, with families trapped under debris and emergency services struggling to respond amid the devastation.
A turning point?
The attack has reignited calls within the European Union and NATO for a more decisive intervention. Analysts suggest this could mark a turning point in the West’s approach to the war, particularly as Ukraine continues to plead for advanced defense systems and a no-fly zone over key cities.
As the international community grapples with how to respond, one thing is clear: the human cost of this war continues to rise, and the lines between battlefield and civilian life are becoming increasingly blurred.