Following a Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday that caused numerous civilian casualties, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the assault, referring to President Vladimir Putin as a “filthy scum” responsible for the deaths of innocent people.

The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services, targeting residential areas, educational institutions, and streets, causing widespread destruction. The strike has left at least 31 people dead, including two children, and over 84 wounded, with 10 of the injured being children, marking it as the most severe attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023.

Zelenskyy mentioned this issue on his X handle. He wrote, “A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life – residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street… And that’s on the day when people go to church – Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem. According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene.”

He further mentioned, “The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life.”