European leaders took him to social media on Sunday to condemn Russia’s latest deadly attack on Ukrainian cities.
European Commission Chairman Ursula von der Leyen wrote in X’s post that “Russian atrocities have hit again” and called the attack “wild barrage.”
More than 30 people were killed in missile strikes as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday. Images from the scene showed lines of black body bags lying on the side of the road, but even more bodies were seen wrapped in foil blankets within the fragments.
Video footage also showed firefighters as they fought to erase the burnt-out car shells between the damaged building and the tiled rubber. Another 99 people were injured, according to Ukraine’s emergency services.
Von Der Leyen added: “Russia is an invader and still exists in the blatant violation of international law.”
The attack on Sumy is the second major attack that claims the lives of such a large number of civilians in more than a week. Around 20 people, including nine children, were killed in the fatal missile strike of Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky’s hometown of Kliviy RIH on April 4th.
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said Trump envoy to Ukraine and Russia remained a promise that Smee’s attacks surpassed “all common sense” and that the White House would end the conflict.
“There are scores for civilian deaths and injuries. As a former military leader, I understand that I’m targeting, and this is wrong. That’s why President Trump is working so hard to end this war,” he said.
Zelenskyy also sought a global response to the attack. “The consultations have never stopped ballistic missiles or air bombs. What is needed is an attitude towards Russia that terrorists deserve,” he said.
EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas also denounced the attacks on social media, writing “a horrifying example of Russia’s intensifying attacks while Ukraine embraces an unconditional ceasefire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said the strike has weakened Washington-led peace talks on both sides.
“Everyone knows, this war was launched by Russia alone. It is clear today that only Russia is choosing to continue it.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said he was “awesome attack on Russian civilians.”
The strike comes a day after senior Russian and Ukrainian diplomats accused each other of violating interim US brokerage agreements to suspend energy infrastructure strikes and highlighting the challenge of negotiating the end of the Three Years’ War.
Russian troops retain their advantages in Ukraine, and Kiev warns that Moscow is planning a new spring attack to put pressure on the enemy and improve its negotiating position.
Ukraine approved a broader US ceasefire proposal, but Russia effectively blocked it by imposing widespread conditions. The European government has accused Putin of dragging him in.
Additional sources •AP
