The Russian defense ministry has stated that the two ballistic missiles launched at the Ukrainian city of Sumy yesterday were intended to target a meeting of Ukrainian military officers.
Tragically, the missiles resulted in the loss of 34 civilian lives, including two children. Many of the victims were simply returning home from Palm Sunday services when the attack occurred, with 34 confirmed dead and 117 injured, the majority of whom were on the streets and in their vehicles.
In a statement today, the Kremlin insisted that its offensive was focused solely on military targets. Additionally, the Russian defense ministry maintained that its objective was to hit a gathering of Ukrainian commanding officers. However, it is important to note that there has been no independent verification of Russia’s claims.
The latest Russian incursions into the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine have led to the deaths of four elderly residents, according to local authorities. Russian forces have reportedly made gains in the Kharkiv area, which is home to Ukraine’s second-largest city. This region was also subjected to overnight drone attacks.
Governor Oleg Synegubov stated that, “A 68-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman died as a result of artillery shelling.” He further shared on social media that a 77-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man lost their lives due to Russian rocket fire.
In a broader offensive, Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight with a barrage of 62 drones, injuring eleven people in the southern city of Odesa, as reported by Ukrainian officials.
In another significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an invitation to former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion. “Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead,” Zelensky urged during an interview with CBS ’60 Minutes.’
He emphasized that a visit to Ukraine would help Mr. Trump understand the profound impact of the conflict and the actions taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin: “You will understand with whom you have a deal,” he added.
Zelensky’s invitation comes on the heels of a heated exchange that took place at the White House in late February, which involved him, Mr. Trump, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance—a confrontation that captured significant media attention.
Governor Vance had previously accused Ukraine of hosting foreign leaders for what he termed “propaganda tours” to garner support. Zelensky firmly denied this characterization and stated to CBS, “If Mr. Trump chose to visit Ukraine, we will not prepare anything. It will not be a theatre. You can go exactly where you want, in any city that has been under attacks.”
As discussions about a potential resolution to the war unfold, Mr. Trump has advocated for a swift conclusion to the conflict that has persisted for over three years. While the United States has engaged in direct talks with Russia, the Biden administration seeks to address the ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
In addition, the United States has been in dialogue with Ukrainian officials regarding the possibility of a truce. Meanwhile, European nations are considering a military deployment to support any ceasefire agreement. Notably, Ukraine has previously accepted a U.S.-proposed unconditional ceasefire, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by Russia.
Mr. Zelensky underscored the complexities of the situation, stating, “Putin can’t be trusted. I told that to President Trump many times. So when you ask why the ceasefire is not working—this is why.” He went on to declare, “Putin never wanted an end to the war. Putin never wanted us to be independent. Putin wants to destroy us completely—our sovereignty and our people.”
In a poignant moment, President Zelensky spoke to CBS from his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, where a recent Russian strike claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including nine children. Expressing his determination for a just resolution, Zelensky stated, “A just peace would be to not lose our sovereignty or our independence,” adding a vow to reclaim any territories currently occupied by Russia. “We will take back what is ours because we never lost it—the Russians took it from us,” he asserted.
Read more: 34 people killed, 117 injured in Russian strike on Ukrainian city of Sumy
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
