On March 24, a Russian missile strike in Sumy injured 88 civilians, including 17 children, amid diplomatic peace talks. The assault caused extensive damage to residential buildings and is being investigated as a war crime. Prime Minister Shmyhal condemned Russia’s continued aggression and called for international pressure to protect Ukrainians.
On March 24, a Russian missile strike targeted a residential area in Sumy, resulting in injuries to 88 civilians, including 17 children, according to the Sumy City Council. This violent act occurred amidst ongoing peace talks facilitated by Saudi Arabia, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a 30-day ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure. Notably, Moscow’s failure to adhere to this ceasefire highlights its continued aggressions against Ukrainian civilians.
The strike affected multiple apartment buildings and a school. Volodymyr Artiukh, head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, confirmed that the children were located in a shelter during the bombardment. The local infrastructure has suffered significantly; eight buildings lost gas supply, 18 buildings lack hot water and heating, and six buildings do not have cold water. Crews from the power company are currently assessing the extent of the damage.
Following the attack, prosecutors, along with law enforcement, are gathering documentation of the incident, which is being investigated as a war crime by the Security Service of Ukraine in Sumy Oblast. Witnesses reported that glass fragments severely injured many individuals, as the strike targeted a bustling area home to educational institutions and an infectious disease hospital. One resident remarked, “There were children everywhere,” illustrating the tragedy of the situation.
Many victims shared harrowing accounts of the destruction and chaos. One woman described the moment by saying, “I didn’t understand anything, just a loud noise, an explosion. I ended up in a corner on the floor – everything hurt so much. The window was shattered. Balconies, all the doors – everything flew out. Nothing was left.” Another victim expressed concern for her family, stating she was unable to reach her son, a soldier trying to rescue her grandmother, adding complexity to the already dire circumstances.
The Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council has reported on Russian propagandists disseminating false claims that it targeted a Ukrainian military base to justify the missile strike on civilian areas. This misleading narrative aims to shift accountability onto the Ukrainian military.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the incident, reaffirming that Russia’s actions reflect its intent to continue terroristic operations against Ukraine. He urged the international community to strengthen measures against Russia, noting that “Ukraine seeks peace, while Russia once again shows its desire to continue terror. The international community must intensify pressure on Russia to stop the aggression, ensure justice, and protect the lives of Ukrainians.”
The recent missile strike in Sumy exemplifies Russia’s persistent aggression against Ukrainian civilians despite ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace. With numerous injuries reported, particularly among children, and significant damage to infrastructure, the incident underscores the urgent need for the international community to exert greater pressure on Russia to cease its hostilities and prevent further tragedies. As Ukraine continues to advocate for peace and justice, the challenges it faces remain formidable and require collective action from the global community.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
