Russian Missile Strike on Ukrainian City of Sumy Leaves 31 Dead, Dozens Injured

A deadly Russian missile attack has killed at least 31 civilians and left over 80 injured in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, as residents were heading to church for Palm Sunday.

According to Ukrainian authorities, two ballistic missiles struck the busy city center on Sunday morning. One missile hit a trolleybus packed with passengers, while the second landed near residential buildings, causing massive destruction and civilian casualties. Among the victims were two children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the strike, describing it as a “deliberate act of terror.” He urged international partners to step up support and apply further pressure on Russia to halt its aggression.

“On a holy day, while people were heading to church, Russia launched missiles on a peaceful city street. Only terrorists act like this,” President Zelenskyy said.

Emergency services and rescue teams responded immediately, pulling survivors from the wreckage and extinguishing vehicle fires. The missiles also destroyed the city’s human rights center and damaged multiple civic buildings.

Sumy lies just 25 kilometers from the Russian border and has seen frequent attacks since the start of the conflict. However, Sunday’s missile strike is one of the most severe in recent months, highlighting ongoing threats to civilian life in border regions.

Authorities confirmed that 83 people were injured, including 10 children, and warned that the death toll could rise.

In response, Ukrainian officials reiterated their call for advanced air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles, to prevent future attacks on urban centers. President Zelenskyy emphasized that military support—not negotiations alone—is essential to protect civilians.

This attack comes amid a proposed 30-day ceasefire plan supported by the U.S., but Russia’s recent escalation, including the bombing of a playground in Kryvyi Rih earlier this month, casts doubt on its intentions.