A wave of international condemnation has followed a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 34 people and injured 117, including 15 children. The attack, carried out with two Iskander ballistic missiles around 10:15 a.m. local time on Palm Sunday, marks the deadliest Russian strike on Ukraine since the start of the year.

The missiles hit as many Ukrainians were heading to church, casting a grim shadow over the beginning of Holy Week.

A view shows the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

U.S. Reaction: Trump Calls Strike “a horrible thing”

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the attack, calling it a “horrible thing,” but stopped short of directly condemning Russia. “I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing,” Trump told reporters on board Air Force One.

Asked to clarify what he meant by a “mistake,” Trump said that “they made a mistake… you’re gonna ask them” — without specifying who or what he meant.

Earlier, the White House National Security Council stated the strike underlined the urgent need for diplomatic negotiations to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

In an official statement, NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized: ‘Today’s missile attack on Sumy is a clear and stark reminder of why President Donald Trump’s efforts to try and end this terrible war comes at a crucial time.”

SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A police officer inspects bodies at the site of Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

United Nations: Guterres ‘Deeply Disturbed and in Shock’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern and shock at the strike. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, noted that “attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that any such attacks, wherever they occur, must end immediately.”

“This is a devastating continuation of similar attacks in recent weeks,” the UN said in its statement.

A view shows the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Europe Reacts with Strong Condemnation

European leaders responded swiftly and sharply. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the strike as an act of barbarism and a “grim reminder” that “Russia was and remains the aggressor.”

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top foreign affairs official, called the incident a “horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire.”

French President Emmanuel Macron called for “strong measures” to enforce a ceasefire, reiterating France’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the protection of civilians.

SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A view shows the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Greece Joins Global Call for Ceasefire

Greece’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the loved ones of the victims in Sumy and issued a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire, stating: “This violence must come to an end.”

Zelensky Thanks Leaders for Support, Urges Trump to Visit Ukraine

Ukranian President Zelenskiy thanked everyone who expressed support to Ukraine in a post on X.

In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes”, which aired on Sunday, Zelensky urged Trump to visit Ukraine. “Please come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children, destroyed or dead,” he said.