Zelensky's response to Russia regarding Sumy: Only 'filth' can carry out such an attack.

Ukrainian leader Zelensky described Russia as "scum" following the Kremlin's launch of two ballistic missiles at Ukraine's Sumy city. Approximately 30 people lost their lives in the attacks, while more than 100 were injured.

As a result of two Russian ballistic missiles hitting the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, at least 34 people were killed and 117 were injured. Kyiv stated that this was the second large-scale attack in a week that resulted in civilian casualties. The attack occurred in the early hours of Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter. Authorities reported that the first missile struck around 10:15 local time. Images from the region showed rows of black body bags along the roadside, as well as more lifeless bodies wrapped in foil blankets among the debris. The footage also showed firefighters trying to extinguish burning vehicles among the wreckage of damaged buildings. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service stated that among the deceased were two children, and 15 children were injured to varying degrees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that among the dead children was a toddler born in 2025 while describing the horrific attack. "The first hit a building—one of the university buildings. The second almost exploded over the street. 117 people were injured, including a girl born in 2025," said the Ukrainian leader, condemning Russia for what he termed a "disgusting attack targeting civilians." "They hit the city center during Palm Sunday. Only disgusting scum can act like this." Zelensky noted that the attack occurred nearly a month after Russia rejected a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the US and accepted by Ukraine on March 11. The Ukrainian leader accused Moscow of constantly stalling to extract more concessions and questioned Russia's intentions regarding peace. "They are not afraid. That is exactly why they are resorting to ballistic missiles. That is why there are about a hundred attack drones every night, mostly targeting ordinary Ukrainian cities," Zelensky called for a global response to the attack. He added that attacks like the one on Sunday would undermine efforts to end the war, stating, "Only pressure, only decisive action will prevent this." The attack in Sumy followed a deadly missile strike on April 4 in Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 people, including nine children. The attack also took place one day after accusations between Russian and Ukrainian diplomats of violating a temporary agreement reached through US mediation to stop attacks on energy infrastructure, highlighting the difficulties of negotiations to end the war that has lasted for over three years.