Zelensky demands action as 31 killed in new massacre ordered by Russia (2025)

More than 20 people were killed in the latest Russian attack (Image: UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP)

A total of 31 people, including two children, were killed in a massive strike launched by the Russian military on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, the local acting mayor has said. And the Ukrainian emergency service warned the "terrible strike" will have likely caused "dozens" of casualties.

The statement read: "A terrible strike by Russian ballistic missiles on Sumy. Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life, houses, educational institutions, cars on the street. And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday." They added a "rescue operation is under way now", as the full extent of the disaster is to be assessed. In a separate statement, the region's mayor Artem Kobzar said Russia launched "a missile strike on civilians".

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President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as "horrific" and said that early reports suggest dozens of civilians have been killed or injured. He added: “The world must respond firmly. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves."

In a separate statement on X, he also urged his allies to put "pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people." Moscow, he added, "will continue dragging this war" otherwise, despite talks of peace negotiations.

Ukraine's interior minister Ihor Klymenko later confirmed that 84 people, including 10 children, were wounded in the strike. He said the victims were on the street, in vehicles, public transport and in buildings when the strike hit.

The emergency services are now on the ground and have restricted access to the area. There are also investigators and forensic experts at the scene.

They said: "Investigators and forensic experts are at the scene of the attacks - collecting evidence, documenting the brutal war crime of the Russian Federation against the civilian population."

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said: "Launching such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolute evil." He also urged Ukraine's partners to put pressure on Moscow: "Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to the horrific terror."

Sir Keir Starmer has also condemned the attack. The Prime Minister said: "I am appalled at Russia's horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time. This latest deadly attack is a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed perpetrated by Putin."

The horrific strike on civilian comes after Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a deal to pause attacks on energy infrastructure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would provide the US, Turkey and international bodies with a list of Kyiv’s attacks during the past three weeks.

Sumy was previously attacked by Russia last month. Around 90 people were injured in the strike.