In a tragic turn of events, two Russian ballistic missiles struck the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in the deaths of 34 individuals and injuring 117. This attack marks one of the deadliest strikes on Ukraine in 2023, as reported by local officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a strong international response against Russia, especially given the context of U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to swiftly bring an end to the ongoing conflict, which has struggled to find a resolution. “Only scoundrels can act like this. Taking the lives of ordinary people,” President Zelensky emphasized on social media, expressing profound outrage at the attack.
The Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, shared that the victims were caught in the crossfire on the streets, in vehicles, aboard public transport, and within buildings at the time of the strike. He remarked, “This is a deliberate destruction of civilians on an important church feast day,” highlighting the gruesome timing and intent behind the missile assault.
Located approximately 50 kilometers from the Russian border, Sumy has faced intensified attacks from Moscow’s forces in recent weeks, with pressures mounting since Russia pushed back many of Ukraine’s troops from its Kursk region across the border.
Acting Mayor of Sumy, Artem Kobzar, conveyed the gravity of the situation on social media, noting, “Many dead today as a result of a missile strike. The enemy has struck civilians again.” He also announced a three-day mourning period for the victims beginning immediately.
This recent missile strike follows another devastating attack in the central city of Kryvyi Rih—President Zelensky’s hometown—earlier this month, which tragically claimed the lives of 20 individuals, including nine children. The frequency of such calamities has reignited calls for accountability and an end to the violence.
The attack drew condemnation from leaders across Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked, “These attacks show just what Russia’s supposed readiness for peace is worth.” Similarly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin commented, “Russia continues its relentless and destructive war despite calls for a ceasefire. The killing has to stop,” echoing the sentiment of many international leaders regarding the ongoing conflict.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris described the assault as “utterly despicable,” stating on social media that he also condemns this latest cowardly act by Russia and reiterating, “These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha asserted that Ukraine is actively sharing detailed information regarding this war crime with international partners and institutions. “The International Criminal Court in The Hague is currently conducting investigations into high-profile cases of alleged war crimes in this ongoing conflict,” he stated.
Interestingly, the missile strike occurred shortly after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff visited Russia for discussions with top officials, including President Vladimir Putin. Andriy Kovalenko, a security official from Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, pointed out, “Russia is building all this so-called diplomacy … around strikes on civilians.”
As the diplomatic landscape continues to shift, U.S. officials under Trump’s administration have engaged in separate dialogues with both Russian and Ukrainian officials in hopes of ending hostilities. Despite a recent agreement to pause strikes on each other’s energy facilities, tensions remain, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
In light of these developments, President Trump expressed cautious optimism about the peace talks, stating, “I think Ukraine-Russia might be going okay, and you’re going to be finding out pretty soon.” He underscored the urgency of decisive action, declaring, “There’s a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up and we’ll see what happens, but I think it’s going fine.”
In a further response to the hostilities, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the ongoing contacts with Trump’s team as “moving ahead very well,” but acknowledged that repairing the damage done to bilateral relations under the previous administration will take time. “It is impossible to expect any instant results,” he cautioned.
As talks continue amidst this backdrop of violence, there is a growing consensus among European leaders and Ukraine that the 2022 invasion represents an imperial-style land grab by President Putin, who views Ukraine’s orientation towards the West as a significant threat.
In the face of these grim realities, the international community must confront the ongoing humanitarian crisis and uphold the call for justice, peace, and accountability.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
