Overview

• A Russian missile strike on Sumy killed 35 civilians, including children, with reports of a deliberate double-tap tactic targeting first responders.
• Ukrainian forces responded by hitting the base of the Russian 448th missile brigade responsible for the attack, with reports of secondary detonations at the site.
• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering support for Kyiv while emphasizing the urgent need for air defense systems.
• The United States declined to back a G7 condemnation of the Sumy attack, citing a desire to maintain negotiation channels with Russia for a potential ceasefire.
• U.S. President Donald Trump faced criticism for downplaying the Sumy attack as a 'mistake' and focusing blame on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and former President Biden for the war.