With at least 34 dead, dozens injured and the prospect of a ceasefire still out of reach, a Russian bombing on the city of Sumy on Sunday, April 13, stirred deep emotions in Ukraine. It came after more than three years of war and with the United States pushing for two months to try to halt the fighting. Two Russian ballistic missiles struck the city in eastern Ukraine, located about 30 kilometers from the Russian border. They hit a street crowded with many civilians, some celebrating Palm Sunday, according to local authorities.

Videos taken at the scene show carnage. Vehicles are in flames, building facades are damaged and many bodies lie on the ground in a mix of dust and blood. As of Monday morning, Russian authorities had yet to comment on this bombing, the deadliest against civilians in months.

In recent weeks, United Nations (UN) observers have noted a significant increase in attacks on the country's urban centers. In March alone, the UN reported 164 civilians killed and 910 injured, a 50% increase compared to February and a 71% increase compared to March 2024. On April 4, a further strike plunged Ukraine into mourning. In Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a bombing near a playground killed 20 people, including nine children.

You have 79.33% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.