UN Denounces Deadly Sunday Attack in Ukraine

The United Nations has condemned the Russian attack on the city of Sumy, Ukraine, on Sunday, which reportedly killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured more than 100 others.

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Monday, took to his X (formally Twitter) account to condemn the attack.

“Deeply alarmed by Sunday’s missile attack by Russia on Sumy, Ukraine, which continues a devastating pattern of similar assaults.

“Attacks against civilians are prohibited under international law & must end immediately.

“I renew my call for a durable ceasefire & reiterate the UN’s support to meaningful efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that fully upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” the UN Chief said.

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The two missiles struck a busy street in the city center, damaging residential buildings, an educational facility, and civilian vehicles as people were out celebrating Palm Sunday, a major religious holiday in Ukraine.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the UN Chief, Stéphane Dujarric, Mr Antonio Guterres was deeply alarmed and shocked to learn of the attack.

“The attack, on Palm Sunday and at the start of Holy Week, continues a devastating pattern of similar assaults on Ukrainian cities and towns in recent weeks, resulting in civilian casualties and large-scale destruction,” he said.

The Secretary-General emphasized that attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must end immediately. He renewed his call for a durable ceasefire in Ukraine.

He also reiterated the UN’s support for meaningful efforts towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace that fully upholds the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.

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Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, was “utterly appalled” by the Russian missile strike on the heart of Sumy City, which is located in Northeastern Ukraine.

“Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace and reflection. Instead, people in Sumy in northeastern Ukraine have been subjected to violence, terror, and loss.

“On behalf of the humanitarian community and the United Nations country team, I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and express my deeply felt condolences with the families whose lives have been torn apart,” said Mr. Schmale.

He recalled that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that “those rules exist to protect human life and dignity, and they must be respected at all times.”

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