What's happened
On April 13, 2025, two Russian ballistic missiles struck Sumy, Ukraine, killing at least 34 people and injuring 117, including children. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, demanding a strong international response as world leaders expressed outrage. The strike occurred on Palm Sunday, intensifying calls for a ceasefire amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Attack
The missile strike on Sumy highlights the ongoing brutality of the conflict, particularly as it occurred on a significant religious day, Palm Sunday. This timing underscores the indiscriminate nature of the violence, as civilians were targeted during a time of peace and reflection.
International Reactions
- Zelenskyy's Appeal: President Zelenskyy urged U.S. President Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the devastation firsthand, emphasizing the need for a robust international response.
- Global Condemnation: Leaders from France, Germany, and Italy condemned the attack, with French President Macron stating it demonstrated Russia's disregard for human life and international law.
- Calls for Ceasefire: The attack has intensified calls for a ceasefire, with Zelenskyy warning that without strong pressure on Russia, the war will continue.
Implications for Peace Talks
The strike complicates ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace, as it illustrates the challenges of achieving a ceasefire when one side continues to escalate military actions. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the future of these negotiations.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that Zelenskyy described the attack as an act of cowardice, stating, "Only scoundrels can act like this, taking the lives of ordinary people." The Guardian highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire, quoting Macron's assertion that "everyone knows it is Russia alone that wants this war." Meanwhile, The Moscow Times noted that the attack came shortly after U.S. envoy Witkoff's discussions with Putin, suggesting a disconnect between diplomatic efforts and military actions. This contrast in reporting underscores the complexity of the situation, with various leaders calling for accountability and a reevaluation of strategies to end the conflict.
How we got here
The attack on Sumy is part of a broader pattern of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, which began with the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Recent diplomatic efforts, including talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Putin, have failed to yield a ceasefire, leading to increased violence.
Go deeper
- What has been the international reaction to the attack?
- How does this impact ongoing peace negotiations?
- What are the latest updates on the conflict in Ukraine?
Common question
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What Are the Global Reactions to the Recent Missile Strike in Ukraine?
The recent missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, has sparked outrage and condemnation from leaders around the world. As the conflict escalates, many are left wondering about the implications for international diplomacy and the safety of civilians. Below, we explore the immediate effects of the attack, President Zelenskyy's response, and what this means for the ongoing conflict.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Sumy is a city in north-eastern Ukraine, and the capital of Sumy Oblast. Sumy also serves as the administrative center of Sumy Raion of Sumy oblast. Sumy is administratively incorporated as a city of oblast significance and does not belong to the raion. T
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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