Ukraine's allies denounce Russia for fatal missile strike

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which resulted in 34 deaths—including two children—and left 117 others injured, has drawn strong condemnation from Ukraine's Western allies.

On Sunday morning, two ballistic missiles hit the city center, near the state university and congress center, causing explosions that scattered bloodied bodies across the streets.

US President Donald Trump called the attack a "horrible thing," while Friedrich Merz, Germany's incoming chancellor, accused Russia of committing a war crime.

Russia has yet to release an official statement on the attack, though its forces stationed near the border are reportedly preparing for a major offensive.

This assault comes at a time when the US, Ukraine's principal military ally, has been advocating for peace talks to end the ongoing war, now in its fourth year, under Trump's leadership.

When asked about the missile strike, US President Donald Trump described it as "terrible" and mentioned he had been "told they made a mistake," but did not provide further details.

Earlier, Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, retired Lt-Gen Keith Kellogg, stated that the attack had crossed "any line of decency."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Trump to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the destruction caused by Russia's invasion.

"Before making any decisions or entering into negotiations, please come to see the people, the civilians, the soldiers, the hospitals, the churches, the children who have been destroyed or killed," he urged in an interview for CBS's 60 Minutes program, which was recorded before the Sumy attack.

Friedrich Merz, who is set to become Germany's new chancellor next month, told German public broadcaster ARD that the attack on Sumy was a "serious war crime."

"It was a treacherous act, and it is a serious war crime, deliberate and intentional," the conservative politician stated.

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked that the attack demonstrated "just how little Russia's supposed willingness for peace is worth."

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia for its "blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and President Trump's diplomatic efforts."

"Strong measures are required to enforce a ceasefire on Russia," he emphasized. "France is working tirelessly toward this objective, alongside its partners."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the attack as "barbaric" and reiterated, "Russia was and remains the aggressor, in clear violation of international law."

"Urgent action is necessary to enforce a ceasefire," she added.

"Europe will continue collaborating with partners and exerting strong pressure on Russia until the bloodshed stops and a fair, lasting peace is achieved, based on Ukraine's terms and conditions."

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed his condemnation, stating he was "appalled at Russia's horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy."

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres conveyed that he was "deeply alarmed and shocked" by the missile strike.

"Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are forbidden under international humanitarian law, and such actions must cease immediately, wherever they take place," the spokesperson emphasized.