More than 30 civilians have been killed in a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, according to Ukrainian officials.
The two ballistic missiles have been labelled the deadliest in Ukraine this year. They struck in the heart of the city at 10:15 am local time as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.
“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” Sumy’s acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said in a statement on social media.
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, 34 people were killed, two of whom were children and 117.
Ukrainian president, Volodmry Zelensky, confirmed the death and injury toll and called for a global response to the attack.
“It is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent,” he said.
“Russian strikes deserve nothing but condemnation.”
“There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people.”
These sentiments were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Decisive measures are needed to force Russia to cease fire. France is working tirelessly with its partners to achieve this goal,” Macron said.
“I'm appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time,” Starmer said.
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