Video has shown the aftermath of a Russian missile strike on a church in Ukraine. The country’s emergency services report that at least 32 people were killed in the attack using two ballistic missiles in Sumy, including two children. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement that a further 99 people were injured, including 11 children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that “only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people”.
Footage online shows thick plumes of smoke rising above buildings, and firefighters attempting to douse flames. What appear to be bodies are covered in material. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has condemned the Russian attack, adding it has left him “appalled”.
He said: “This latest deadly attack is a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed perpetrated by Putin. President Zelensky has shown his commitment to peace, President Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions – as Ukraine has done.”
Mr Zelensky said: “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
He called for a global response to the attack, adding: “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
It comes after, earlier in the week, Russia staged a large-scale missile strike on Mr Zelensky’s home town of Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people.
Both sides have accused each other of breaching a tentative agreement to pause attacks on energy infrastructure.
US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Russia this week to press the Kremlin to come to the negotiating table as Donald Trump’s administration continues to seek a peace deal.
Moscow had already rejected a US-backed proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, and has seemingly dragged its feet on implementing a more limited truce in the Black Sea, suggesting that some of the sanctions on Russia should be lifted first.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the latest Russian attack undermines peace talks.
He wrote in a statement: “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.”