Overview

• Russian missile strikes on Sumy killed at least 35 people, including children, and injured 119, with the second wave deliberately targeting rescue efforts.
• Ukrainian President Selenskyj condemned the attacks as acts of cruelty and invited U.S. President Trump to witness the devastation firsthand.
• Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, labeled the strikes as severe war crimes and reiterated support for supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine in coordination with EU allies.
• The EU is advancing its 17th sanctions package against Russia, with officials emphasizing the need to escalate pressure to end the war.
• The attacks occurred during Palm Sunday, amplifying the human toll, as many victims were civilians gathered for religious observances.