Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Visit Ukraine After Russia’s Deadliest Strike on Civilians

By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia’s ongoing invasion. The appeal came after a Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy killed 34 civilians on Palm Sunday — the deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians so far this year.

Two ballistic missiles struck the city center as residents were heading to church services. One of the blasts occurred next to a packed trolleybus, leaving bodies on the streets and dozens injured including children.

Despite international condemnation, President Trump appeared to downplay the incident, describing it as “a mistake” during a press briefing.

Zelenskyy also repeated his concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Ukraine. “If Putin is not stopped, this could become World War III. His goal is to rebuild the Russian empire — including NATO territory in Eastern Europe.”

Zelenskyy also repeated his concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Ukraine. “If Putin is not stopped, this could become World War III. His goal is to rebuild the Russian empire — including NATO territory in Eastern Europe.”

Zelenskyy: ‘Come and See the Destruction’

In a recorded interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, aired before the Sumy attack, Zelenskyy urged Trump to visit Ukraine before making any decisions about peace talks or negotiations with Russia.

“This is not propaganda. Go where you wish, no theatre, no staging — just the reality.”

Zelenskyy also expressed concern over increasing U.S. political alignment with Russian narratives. He criticized recent comments by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who referenced sham referendums held by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories. “These are not democratic votes. They are occupation tactics,” Zelenskyy said.

Kremlin Denies Civilian Targeting

While President Trump called the Sumy strike a “mistake,” the Kremlin denied responsibility for civilian casualties. Russian officials insisted their forces only target military infrastructure. The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, indirectly acknowledged civilian deaths, blaming Ukraine for placing military assets in densely populated areas — a claim Ukraine denies.

Backlash Against Trump’s Remarks

Trump’s comments sparked anger among Ukrainians and European allies. Human rights activist Olena Halushka remarked, “Cluster munitions don’t end up in city centers by accident.” Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis added, “This wasn’t a mistake — it was a continuation of genocide.”