On April 13, 2025, Russia attacked the centre of Sumy with ballistic missiles and aerial bombs at a time when many civilians were on the streets. The presence of a Russian reconnaissance drone over the city confirms that the strikes were adjusted in real time, indicating a deliberate targeting of civilians. The Russian Federation has carried out similar actions even before, for example, during the missile strike on the Amstor shopping centre in Kremenchuk on June 27, 2022, which killed more than 20 people, and the shelling of the train station in Kramatorsk on April 8, 2022, which claimed the lives of 61 civilians.
At least 35 deaths are currently known in Sumy, but the number of victims is still being clarified, as rescue operations continue among the destroyed residential areas and public places. Strikes on densely populated areas during the day, when people were in markets, shops or simply on the streets, may indicate that Russia is deliberately targeting civilians, seeking to maximize casualties and intimidate Ukrainians.
The question arises whether Russia is interested in peace? Even at a time when the international community is calling for a diplomatic settlement, Russia continues to escalate, using ballistic missiles and aerial bombs against Ukrainian cities. These actions are aimed not only at physical destruction, but also at creating an atmosphere of fear.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also condemned the attack on Palm Sunday. “Many civilians were killed and injured. The launch of such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolutely evil,” he wrote on X.
“We are sharing detailed information about this war crime with all our partners and international organizations,” Sybiha said, adding that for the second month in a row, Russia has refused to accept the US proposal for a full ceasefire, which Ukraine unconditionally accepted on March 11. “Instead, Russia is intensifying its terror,” he said.
Silence or inaction only encourages the aggressor. Concessions or easing pressure will only increase the Russian Federation’s impunity, allowing it to continue committing war crimes against civilians.
