Russian missile strikes on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy highlight the urgent need to impose a ceasefire on Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
“Everyone knows that only Russia wants this war. Today it is clear that only Russia wants to continue it, ignoring human life, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Donald Trump“, Macron wrote on the social network “X“ (formerly Twitter).
At least 31 people, including two children, were killed in the missile attack on Sumy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on “Telegram“. According to Ukrainian police, quoted by DPA, at least 83 people were injured in the attack, including 7 children.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said that many of the victims were on the street, in their cars, on public transport or in apartment buildings.
In response to the attack, the city authorities in Sumy announced that a crisis headquarters had been formed. “Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance”, Zelensky assured. He had earlier called on the international community to react decisively.
The head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kalas, described the situation as “heartbreaking“, stressing that the city's residents had gathered for Palm Sunday “only to be greeted by Russian missiles“.
“A horrifying example of the escalation of attacks by Russia while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire“, Kalas wrote in “X“.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga described the attack as “a war crime“ and criticized Russia for its delay in accepting the US proposal for a ceasefire.