Ukraine says over 30 killed due to Russian missile strike on Sumy city

A statement by Ukraine's State Emergency Service on Telegram said the number of those killed during the attack on Sumy rose to 32, including two children, as of 14.10 p.m. local time (1110GMT).

It further said 84 others were injured during the attack, including 10 children, noting that search and rescue operations at the scene of the attack continue.

Initially, local authorities in Sumy reported that over 20 people were killed due to the attack on Sumy, situated about 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) from the Russian border.

“On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy. The enemy launched a missile strike on civilians. Unfortunately, more than 20 deaths are already known,” Acting Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar said on Telegram.

In two separate statements shared on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the world to "not stay silent or indifferent" to the attacks, saying such strikes deserve "nothing but condemnation."

Zelenskyy went on to reiterate Kyiv's remarks on the need to further pressure Russia, as well as to provide security guarantees for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian president claimed that Moscow will continue to drag out the conflict in his country without being pressured and without sufficient support for Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, there in Moscow they are convinced they can keep killing with impunity. Action is needed to change this situation," he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X that Russia refused to accept the US proposal for a full ceasefire for the second month in a row, reminding that Kyiv unconditionally accepted the proposal on March 11.

"Instead, Russia ramps up its terror. We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow," Sybiha said, arguing strength to be the only language Moscow can understand.

Russian authorities have not immediately commented on the attack or the claims.