On April 13, 2025, a Russian missile strike devastated the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 100 injuries, including 15 children. The attack occurred during Palm Sunday services, targeting a crowded city center, a trolleybus, and a local university conference center just before a scheduled children’s theater performance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a deliberate act of terrorism and renewed calls for global action and additional air defense systems.
The strike involved two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, with preliminary evidence suggesting the use of cluster munitions. This assault is considered the deadliest single attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023.
International leaders, including those from the US, UK, France, and the EU, condemned the attack and urged Russia to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
