Kiev, 14 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Ukraine has accused Moscow of targeting civilians after Russian missiles killed 34 people in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, according to authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that two children were among the dead.

The strikes also left 117 people injured, including 15 children, authorities said.

"Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. He said the attack occurred while people were on their way to church for Palm Sunday celebrations ahead of the Easter holiday.

Many of the people injured were in the street, with others in cars, on public transport and inside residential buildings, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said, accusing Russia of deliberately attacking civilians.

Images showed lifeless bodies on the streets, burning vehicles and widespread destruction.

City authorities announced that a crisis team had been set up in response to the attack.

Sumy, located near the Russian Kursk and Belgorod border regions, has been repeatedly targeted since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion more than three years ago.

The missiles carried explosives with cluster munitions, enabling Russia to hit as many civilians as possible, said Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha spoke of a "war crime" and criticized Russia for dragging its feet on accepting a US proposal made in March for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

"Instead, Russia is expanding its terror," Sybiha wrote. He called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with additional anti-aircraft capabilities.

"Strength is the only language they understand, and the only way to put an end to the terrible terror," he said.

"Our response will be harsh," the Ukrainian General Staff said, while Zelensky called for "a tough reaction" from international allies.

Attack prompts international outrage

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the scenes from Sumy "heartbreaking." She described the attack on X as a "horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire."

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the strike a "barbaric attack," and said such attacks underscore the lack of sincerity behind Russia's claimed willingness to seek peace with Ukraine.

"This war must end, and Russia must finally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire. We are working toward that goal together with our European and international partners," Scholz said.

French President Emmanuel Macron also strongly condemned the attack and called for increased pressure to push Russia towards a ceasefire, writing on X: "Everyone knows that Russia, alone, wanted this war. Today, it is clear that Russia, alone, is choosing to continue it."

Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of committing a grave war crime, describing the attack as deliberate and brutal.

He used the move to address those in Germany who "naively" continue to call for peace talks with Putin, telling public broadcaster ARD that "this is what Putin does to those who talk to him about a ceasefire."

US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg posted on X: "Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency," adding that such attacks on civilians are the reason US President Donald Trump is "working hard to end this war."

The United States has tried to broker a 30-day ceasefire in the war, but while Kiev agreed to the proposal, Putin has set a number of preconditions.

Photo: MIA archive