Zelensky Denounces Savage Russian Attack on Civilians in Sumy as Tensions Rise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia on Tuesday for intentionally striking civilians during a rocket barrage in the northeastern city of Sumy, an attack that resulted in at least three fatalities and injured 20 others.

Zelensky described the incident as a «brutal assault on Sumy,» where Russian forces specifically aimed at the city and its streets using rocket artillery. «This was a calculated attack on innocent civilians,» he stated in a social media update, which included footage of wrecked cars and a deceased individual on the roadway.

The strike aligned with an increase in Russian military actions in the Sumy region, where President Vladimir Putin has instructed troops to create a «buffer zone» within Ukrainian territory.

According to local authorities, Russian military units launched five multiple-launch rockets at Sumy around 9 a.m. local time.

Zelensky remarked that the timing of the attack—just a day after Ukraine and Russia engaged in a second round of peace negotiations in Istanbul—»illustrates everything one needs to understand about Russia’s alleged ‘interest’ in concluding this conflict.» He urged the United States and European nations to implement «strong measures» to compel Moscow towards a ceasefire.

«Every single day, Russia provides more justification for stricter sanctions and increased military support for our defense efforts,» he added.

Located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Russian border, Sumy was a critical logistical center for Ukraine’s cross-border operations into the Kursk region last year. Attacks on the city have escalated since Moscow claimed complete control over Kursk in April.

A Russian missile strike in central Sumy in April resulted in over 30 deaths, marking it as one of the most lethal single attacks during the conflict.

Last week, Zelensky indicated that Moscow was gathering 50,000 troops for a potential offensive in the area.

In a separate incident, a drone attack by Russian forces in Kharkiv resulted in one death, as reported by the regional prosecutor’s office. Odesa and Chernihiv also experienced strikes during the night.