US President Donald Trump described the bombing of Sumy in Ukraine, which according to the latest data has killed at least 34 people and injured at least 117 people, as terrible. However, Trump did not directly blame Russia for this, notes Agence France-Presse.
“I think it's terrible. And they told me they made a mistake. But I think it's a terrible thing“, Trump told reporters on the presidential plane.
Asked about the mistake he was referring to, Trump replied: “They made a mistake. You'll have to ask them," he said, without going into details about who he was referring to.
The White House National Security Council had previously said the bombing underscored the need to negotiate an end to the war.
"The missile attack on Sumy is a stark and brutal reminder of why President Trump's efforts to end this terrible war come at a critical time," said Council spokesman Brian Hughes.
Neither Trump nor the council blamed Russia for the missile strike, which sparked international outrage.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked by the bombing of Sumy, which took place on Palm Sunday, at the start of Holy Week.
„This attack follows similar attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, resulting in civilian casualties and "massive destruction," Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stressed.