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European leaders have condemned Russia's deadly missile strike on Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy — an attack that killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 117.
Russia on April 13 launched two ballistic missiles at the city in northeastern Ukraine on the morning of Palm Sunday, when many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday in the leadup to Easter.
The attack took place just two days after U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss peace negotiations.
"Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it — with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X.
Macron called for strong measures to "impose a ceasefire on Russia" and noted that France is working towards that goal with allies.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "appalled" by the attack on civilians.
"President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions," he wrote on X.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas wrote on X that the attack was "heartbreaking" as citizens gathered for Palm Sunday "only to be met by Russian missiles."
"Horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire," she added, referencing Kyiv's agreement to a full 30-day ceasefire after U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the attack was a "grim reminder" of Russia's role as the aggressor in the full-scale war against Ukraine.
"Strong measures are urgently needed to enforce a ceasefire," von der Leyen said in a post on X.
"Europe will continue to reach out to partners and maintain strong pressure on Russia until the bloodshed ends and a just and lasting peace is achieved, on Ukraine's terms and conditions."
European Council President and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the strike on Sumy as "horrible and cowardly."
"I strongly condemn this unacceptable violence, which contradicts any real commitment to peace, promoted by President Trump and supported wholeheartedly by Italy, together with Europe and other international partners," Meloni said in a statement provided by the Italian Embassy.
Meloni pledged to work with allies to "stop this barbarism."
The EU's ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, called the attack on churchgoers during Palm Sunday a "war crime" and said that Europe is "increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine in every possible way."
"Nothing seems to be sacred to the Russians — neither churches, nor Ukrainian children," she added.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb condemned Russia for "slaughtering innocent civilians in Sumy" and called for increased sanctions against Moscow.
"Russia shows that it has no respect for international law or humanitarian law," he wrote on X.
"We must end this war. An unconditional ceasefire must begin at once. To make it commit seriously to negotiations, sanctions against Russia need to be further strengthened."
Moldova's President Maia Sandu called for more air defense for Ukraine and added that Moldova "mourns with Ukraine." She said that "Palm Sunday is a day of peace," emphasizing that Russia "must be held accountable" and that "there is no justification for such evil."
The leader of the exiled Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wrote on X that "Putin’s regime shows once again that it does not want peace."
Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the attack proves that "Russia's goal is erasing Ukraine." He stressed that aid to Ukraine cannot be delayed, adding that "no pressure on Russia means no peace."
Chris York
