A devastating Russian missile strike hit the Ukrainian city of Sumy on April 13, 2025, killing 32 people and injuring over 80 others. Ukrainian authorities confirmed this as the deadliest attack of the year. Two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the northern city, sparking international outrage and calls for tougher global action against Moscow.
Targeting Civilians in Broad Daylight
The attack came on a major religious holiday, catching civilians in streets, cars, buses, and buildings completely off guard. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko described it as a “deliberate act of destruction” targeting civilians. Sumy, home to about 250,000 residents and located just 25 kilometers from the Russian border, has played a strategic role in the ongoing conflict. It became a military stronghold following Ukraine’s failed cross-border incursion into Russia last August.
Cluster Munitions Used
Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, stated that the missiles used carried cluster munitions—a weapon known for causing widespread civilian casualties. He accused Russia of intentionally trying to maximize harm to non-combatants.
Lawmaker Maryana Bezuhla suggested that leaked information about a gathering of Ukrainian soldiers may have influenced the strike location, indicating a potential intelligence breach. The blast, she said, could have been aimed at both soldiers and civilians present in the area.
Read: Witkoff Meets Putin to Discuss Ukraine War Truce, Brings Message from Trump
Russia’s Control and Advancements
Since launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized control of nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the eastern and southern regions. The conflict continues with slow but steady Russian advances, particularly in the east. Despite diplomatic efforts, military action remains the main feature of the war.
Growing International Pressure
President Zelenskiy called for a strong international response, labeling the attack as a clear act of terrorism. He said diplomacy alone cannot stop missile strikes and aerial bombings. “Russia thrives on terror,” he stated, urging the United States and Europe to step up pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Kyiv is sharing all evidence of the attack with international partners and institutions. Ukraine, now officially a member of the International Criminal Court, is pushing for the incident to be classified and prosecuted as a war crime.
Tensions Amid Peace Talks
The missile strike came shortly after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff visited Russia and held talks with President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian officials have linked the attack to ongoing U.S.-led peace negotiations, which they say are being exploited by Moscow to justify further aggression.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, criticized Russia’s use of “so-called diplomacy” to mask attacks on civilians. He pointed out that despite last month’s agreement between Russia and Ukraine to avoid targeting energy infrastructure, both sides have accused each other of violating the terms.
Ukraine Demands Action, Not Words
Following the attack, Zelenskiy once again stressed that peace will remain out of reach unless the international community applies meaningful pressure on the Kremlin. As missiles continue to rain down, Ukrainians are looking to global powers for more than just condemnation.
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