Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky
has criticized remarks from President
Donald Trump
who referred to the fatal Russian ballistic missile strike on the key Ukrainian city of Sumy as a “misstep.”
The Context
On Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia had fired two ballistic missiles at the northeast Ukrainian city of Sumy while residents were attending church services for Palm Sunday. This attack resulted in at least 35 fatalities and left around 129 individuals injured.
The larger Sumy area shares a border with Russia, and Kyiv has alerted that Moscow may be planning a fresh assault on both Sumy and the adjacent Kharkiv region.
This marks the second significant ballistic missile assault on a key Ukrainian urban area this month, following Moscow’s strike on April 4th targeting Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky’s hometown, which resulted in 20 fatalities.
What To Know
Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday evening he thought the strike was “terrible,” adding:
I was informed that they erred.
, however, I believe it’s a terrible thing.”
When asked about what he meant by the term “error,” Trump stated: “They committed an error. I think it was—with all due respect, you should direct that question to them.” He didn’t provide more details.
Zelensky told a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday that “we cannot find excuses when you hit the city center with missiles.”
A strike involving several missiles is “not an error,” but rather “murder,” according to the Ukrainian president, as quoted by local media outlets.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had used two Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles to hit a group of gathered Ukrainian military personnel, killing more than 60 soldiers.
On Monday, Zelensky stated that “approximately 50 countries along with various international bodies” have shown their backing for Kyiv.
Following the attacks on Sumy
.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, characterized the assault as both “barbaric” and “vile,” whereas Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, expressed her deep horror over the incident.
On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. informed other G7 nations it wouldn’t back a condemnation of the Sumy attacks to prevent disrupting peace talks with Moscow.
Many of Ukraine’s partners individually stated that the attacks indicated Russia was extending the conflict.
Ukraine accepted a comprehensive truce proposed by the U.S., set to span thirty days starting in March. However, Russia has declined this proposal even after three trips from President Trump’s special envoy, Steven Witkoff. Instead, Moscow has approved only a limited cessation of hostilities around the Black Sea contingent upon receiving sanctions relief. Yet, this restricted ceasefire hasn’t been implemented yet.
U.S. Secretary of State
Marco Rubio
mentioned on Friday that the Trump administration was assessing if they could facilitate a ceasefire agreement with Russia, noting that they would make a choice about potentially ending negotiations within “a few days.”
Trump has become progressively more irritated with Russia, expressing his belief that Russian authorities were “delaying action,” yet he continues to adopt a milder stance toward the Kremlin than what he directs at Kyiv.
Zelensky cautioned in his nightly message on Wednesday that Kyiv possessed “the capability to retaliate against such attacks.”
“We have all the justification to act this way; it is completely fair—to reply to the murderers as they merit,” he further stated.
Rubio stated in an announcement that the Russian assault on Sumy was “distressing,” further stating: “This serves as a heartbreaking testament to why President Trump and his administration have been dedicating substantial time and resources toward ending this conflict and securing a fair and lasting peace.”
What People Are Saying
Zelensky
stated on Thursday: “Pardon me, but this involves a homicide.”
Keith Kellogg
, who serves as Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, stated in a press release on Sunday: “Given my background as a former military leader, I recognize what constitutes a target, and this is inappropriate. This is why President Trump is diligently striving to conclude this conflict.”
What Happens Next
The United States will keep working towards achieving a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with Russia, even though it remains uncertain how swiftly the Trump administration can obtain Moscow’s approval for halting the hostilities.
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