On Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported numerous casualties following a devastating Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, which has been enduring heavy attacks from Russian forces in recent weeks.
Located near the Russian border, Sumy has faced mounting pressure as Moscow’s forces have advanced, pushing much of Ukraine’s military back from its Kursk region and across the border.
Artem Kobzar, the acting mayor of Sumy, shared the tragic news on social media, stating that many are feared dead as a result of the missile attack. He condemned the strike, emphasizing that civilians were once again targeted by the enemy.
“Many were feared dead as a result of the missile strike,” the mayor wrote, adding that civilians had once again fallen victim to the attack.
Unverified social media images depicted scenes of destruction, showing burnt-out vehicles and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
Sumy is located approximately 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) from the Russian border, making it a key target in the ongoing conflict.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has issued repeated warnings that Moscow might intensify its efforts in Sumy, and Russia’s military actions have raised alarms about a potential full-scale offensive in the region.
Last month, Russian forces claimed the capture of a village in Sumy for the first time since the early days of their 2022 invasion, marking a significant shift in the conflict.