KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian leaders are urgently calling for increased air defense capabilities after a series of Russian missile strikes on Sunday left 34 people dead and at least 117 injured.
Most of the victims were worshippers attending Palm Sunday services, marking the somber attack during a significant religious occasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and reiterated the need for greater international support to prevent further Russian aggression.
“It’s now the second month that Putin has been ignoring the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky said. “Action is needed to change this situation.”
The President urged the global community to take a firmer stance on Russia’s continued offensive.
He emphasized that without substantial pressure on Moscow, peace would remain elusive.
“The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, and everyone who desires this war and these killings to end must act. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky further highlighted the failure of talks to halt the violence, describing Russia’s actions as those of a “terrorist” nation.
He expressed gratitude to all nations standing with Ukraine in their defense against the ongoing attacks.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, also addressed the situation, appealing for further assistance from international allies.
“Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to end this horrific terror,” Sybiha stated. “We urge our partners to provide us with additional air defense capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow.”
The attack on Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine, saw two ballistic missiles strike, with the second missile causing the most damage when it exploded over a busy street.
Ukrainian authorities reported significant destruction, including the damage of 20 buildings, five of which were residential apartments.
Several commercial buildings, including cafes and shops, were also hit in the blast.
