“Not enough words for this evil”: European leaders react to deadly Russian strike on Sumy

EU's diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas posted on social media, expressing that "heartbreaking scenes from Sumy this morning as residents gathered for Palm Sunday only to be met by Russian missiles."

"Horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire," said the EU’s top diplomat.

European Council President António Costa condemned Russia's missile strike on Sumy, calling it a criminal attack.

"Russia continues its campaign of violence, showing once again that this war exists and endures only because Russia chooses so. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by yet another brutal act of aggression," Costa wrote on social media.

Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable before justice, he added.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Russia’s attack on Sumy, calling it a “bloody Palm Sunday.”

“The Russian version of a ceasefire. Bloody Palm Sunday, Sumy UA,” he wrote on X.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted, urging Vladimir Putin to accept an immediate ceasefire.

I'm appalled at Russia’s horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time. President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions,” Starmer said.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the Russian attack:

"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," he stated. "Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners."

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called the strike vile and stressed that it was a slap in the face to all who seek and desire peace.

"The civilized world must use force to stop these barbarians who are killing civilians and children. Our hearts are with the families of the victims and the wounded. In this hour of pain, Lithuania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine and President Zelenskyy until a just peace is achieved," Nauseda said.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen wrote: "My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. The world has waited for more than a month for Russia to agree on a ceasefire. Yet it continues to bomb civilians."

She stressed that in order to stop this war, the world must:

1) further strengthen Ukraine's self-defense with military assistance, 

2) weaken Russia's war machine with economic sanctions, 

3) set a firm deadline for a ceasefire.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed his condolences to the victims: "There are not enough words in the world to describe the inhumanity and evil of Russia. Our hearts are with Ukraine. Heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the Sumy attack."

Polish MEP Michal Szczerba also reacted to the ballistic strike, stating that together the world must stop this terror.

• As a result of the Russian missile strike on Sumy’s city center on the morning of April 13, at least 31 people were killed, including two children. Over 80 people were injured.
• Following the ballistic strike on Sumy, President Zelenskyy called on the world, especially the United States and Europe, to show a firm response.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that all data regarding the Russian ballistic strike on Sumy has been shared with international partners.