KYIV – Russia’s second large-scale aerial attack of April targeted civilians in the northeastern city of Sumy as they were heading to church on April, 13, Palm Sunday, firing two ballistic missiles that killed at least 35 people, including 2 children.
More than 100 civilians were injured in the deliberate attack on peaceful residents, according to Ukraine’s National Police.
“It happened when the streets were full of people. A deliberate killing of civilians on a major religious holiday,” said Interior Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Rescue efforts are still underway as of the morning of April 14.
“People were injured right on the streets, in their cars, on public transport, and in their homes,” Klymenko added.
In addition to a university building, the missile strike damaged five apartment blocks, several cafés and shops, and the district court. Altogether, Russia damaged at least 20 buildings in the city, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“It is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent. […] There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people. Without truly strong pressure, without sufficient support for Ukraine, Russia will continue dragging this war out,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukrainian communities across the world have responded to yet another Russian war crime with protests and urgent calls for action.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress called on the international community to immediately provide Ukraine with more weapons to help stop the horrific bloodshed caused by Russia.
A rally was held in Montreal as part of the global response.
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The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations condemned the attack on Sumy as “a tragic continuation of russia’s relentless campaign of terror.”
“Ukrainians deserve the right to live in peace and security – to walk their streets without fear of missile attacks,” the statement reads.
Demonstrators gathered near the U.S. White House. One protest sign read: “Russia kills kids. Russia kills life. Russia kills truth.”
Right now, next to the White House, a pro-Ukraine demonstration. One sign reads: “Google Sumy. Today Russia killed 34 people and injured 117, including children”. pic.twitter.com/KM5iXTFiJE
— Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) April 13, 2025
Protests were also held in New York.
The Ukrainian Association of South Africa condemned the attack and urged the country’s leaders to publicly denounce Russia’s war crimes, end any cooperation that enables its aggression, and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people “just as Ukrainians stood with South Africa during its fight against Apartheid.”
“Silence is not neutrality – it is complicity. Ukraine bleeds. Sumy mourns. The world must act,” the statement reads.
The Association of Ukrainians in Denmark urged Danish society – including politicians, journalists, and all concerned citizens – to speak out and continue supporting Ukraine “by every possible means.”
“This is yet another proof that Russia is not only waging war against Ukraine — it is conducting systemic terror against civilians,” the statement reads.
A rally was also held in Stockholm, Sweden.
“We continue our collective struggle. We thank Sweden for its unwavering support and are grateful to everyone who joins the demonstrations and stands with Ukraine,” wrote the Nordic Ukraine Forum.
Dozens of world leaders and international organizations have condemned Russia’s attack and called for holding the country accountable.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasized that “Russia’s goal is erasing Ukraine.”
“Our aid to Ukraine cannot be delayed at the most crucial moment. No pressure on Russia means no peace,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia has chosen to continue the war despite proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as “unacceptable violence that goes against any real commitment to peace, as promoted by President Trump, which Italy, along with Europe and other international partners, sincerely supports.”
Meanwhile, Trump said that he was told Russia “made a mistake” when it struck Sumy on Palm Sunday.
Cover: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
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