A Russian missile attack struck a densely populated district of northeastern Sumy, wounding 88 people, including 17 children. Regional governor Volodymyr Artiukh announced the casualty toll on national television, stating that many children had been evacuated to air raid shelters, thus avoiding injury.
Artiukh reported that two schools were within the impact zone, and he witnessed rescue efforts to clear the areas where children sought shelter in protective structures. All children were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety.
Several high-rise residential blocks in the city center sustained damage. In a video taken at the scene, Artiukh described heavy black smoke, fires, and a car with shattered windows in the background, with smoke rising from the upper floors of a nearby five-story residential building.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack during his nightly video address, calling it an example of the "losses, pain, and destruction" that Ukraine never wanted. He pointed out that the missile strike occurred while Russian and U.S. officials were meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation.
Zelenskiy emphasized that Russia was "the only entity prolonging this war and tormenting both our people and the entire world." He called for strong measures and decisive actions to compel Russia toward peace and expressed support for any initiatives that would enhance effective diplomacy.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized Moscow for claiming to seek peace while executing brutal strikes on densely populated areas in Ukraine. He urged Russia to stop bombing cities and end its war on civilians.
Acting Sumy mayor Artem Kobzar informed on Telegram that an industrial facility had been attacked but did not specify which one. Sumy, located about 30 km from the Russian border, frequently faces drone and missile strikes from Russia.