At least 34 people have died after Russian missiles hit the city of Sumy in Ukraine as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.

In a tragic escalation of violence, Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, resulting in at least 34 fatalities, including two children, and injuring over 117 people. The missiles targeted civilian areas at a time when residents had gathered for religious celebrations, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the conflict and the ongoing plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, characterizing it as an act of cowardice against ordinary people. The attack is the latest in a series of strikes that have raised concerns about the increasing lethality of the conflict in Ukraine. The situation in Sumy follows a similar incident on April 4, when an attack on Zelenskyy's hometown led to the deaths of at least 20 people, including numerous children. This continued violence has prompted international condemnation, with leaders from various nations calling for a stronger response against Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and reinforced calls for tougher sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for a global response, urging for recognition of Russia's actions as terrorist behavior. His remarks reflect the frustration felt in Ukraine regarding the effectiveness of current diplomatic engagements. The use of cluster munitions, as claimed by Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskyy’s office, underscores the grave humanitarian concerns associated with these strikes. Despite the Ukrainian government's assertions, there remains a critical need for independent verification of these claims. Overall, the conflict continues to escalate, combining military aggression with a dire humanitarian crisis, as civilians bear the brunt of the violence. The international community's response, particularly from the U.S. and European nations, will be crucial in determining the next steps in addressing this ongoing crisis, and the potential for future peace negotiations remains uncertain amidst such attacks.