News Feed

Lithuania summons Russian diplomat over deadly missile strike on Sumy

1 min read
Lithuania summons Russian diplomat over deadly missile strike on Sumy
The aftermath of the Russian attack on Sumy that killed dozens on Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Telegram)

Lithuania's Foreign Ministry summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Vilnius on April 13 in response to Russia's missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 34 people and injured 117.

"After today's terror attack by Russia against Sumy, we have summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Vilnius," the ministry posted on X.

"Those behind this attack will not escape justice. Responsibility is also shared by everyone working for (the) Kremlin's criminal regime, including Russian diplomats."

The strike, which took place on Palm Sunday — a day widely observed by Christians across Ukraine — was one of the deadliest to hit Sumy since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

European leaders widely condemned the attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked those who expressed solidarity but emphasized that condemnation alone is not enough.

"This Friday (April 11) marked exactly one month since Russia spurned the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid," Zelensky said.

The missile strike occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire. Russia has refused to join a U.S.-proposed 30-day full truce and has continued attacks despite partial agreements to limit strikes on infrastructure and the Black Sea.

Avatar
Tim Zadorozhnyy

Reporter

Tim Zadorozhnyy is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent covering foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. He studied International Relations and European Studies at Lazarski University and Coventry University. Tim began his journalism career in Odesa in 2022 as a reporter for a local television channel. He later spent a year and a half at the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, first as a news anchor and later as a managing editor. He is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

Read more
News Feed

During a meeting with Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal on July 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need to take additional "more decisive" steps to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure and emphasized the importance of robust winter preparedness plans for communities and regions.

 (Updated:  )

Yulia Svyrydenko, who replaced former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in July 2025, will now take on a new role leading cooperation with Ukraine’s key partners, Zelensky announced on social media.

Video

Once promoted by the Kremlin as a symbol of Russia’s resurgence and a premier tourist destination, the peninsula now faces mounting pressure from Ukrainian drone strikes targeting military infrastructure, logistics, and supply routes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 11 that he is preparing changes to Ukraine’s “diplomatic efforts” to accelerate weapons deliveries from allies, as Ukraine's stockpile of Patriot air defense missiles has run dry.

Show More