A Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy claimed the lives of more than 20 people on Sunday, as residents gathered to mark the sacred occasion of Palm Sunday. The city’s acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, confirmed the tragic toll in a social media post.
“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” Kobzar said. “Unfortunately, we already know of more than 20 deaths.”
The strike involved two ballistic missiles that hit the city’s center, where civilians were congregating. The timing of the attack, during a major religious celebration, has drawn widespread condemnation.
The deadly assault in Sumy comes just hours after renewed diplomatic tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations accusing each other of breaching a fragile U.S.-brokered agreement to stop attacks on critical energy infrastructure. The incident underscores the worsening humanitarian toll and the challenges of reaching any lasting ceasefire as the war enters its third year.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Kyiv reported another Russian missile attack—this time striking a warehouse belonging to Kusum, a prominent Indian pharmaceutical company. The warehouse, located in the capital city, was reportedly storing essential medical supplies for humanitarian use, including medicine for children and the elderly.
"Today, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of the Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine. While claiming 'special friendship' with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian businesses—destroying medicines meant for children and the elderly," Ukraine’s embassy in India posted on X (formerly Twitter).
