Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a direct plea to Donald Trump following a brutal Russian missile strike that killed at least 34 people and injured over 100 others in the city of Sumy.
The attack, which took place on Sunday (13 April), struck the heart of the city as two missiles slammed into the bustling centre. One of them reportedly hit a bus full of passengers; many believed to be en route to church for Palm Sunday.
Describing the aftermath, Zelenskyy said medics are doing “everything they can” to save lives.
“The strike hit right in the heart of the city on Palm Sunday,” he said, via BBC. “Only completely deranged scum can do something like this.”
The international response has been swift. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire, declaring via The Guardian: “Everyone knows it is Russia alone that wants this war.”
He added: “Today it is clear that Russia alone wants to continue with it, showing its scorn for human life, international law and diplomatic efforts made by President Trump. Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners.”
In response to the horrific events, Zelenskyy has now urged Trump to visit Ukraine and see the devastation for himself. Speaking to CBS News in an interview aired Sunday, Zelenskyy said: “Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people — civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children — destroyed or dead.”
Zelenskyy continued: “Come, look, and then let’s move with a plan to end the war. You will understand with whom you are dealing. You will understand what Putin did.”
Zelenskyy also posted images and videos of the aftermath on social media, according to Sky News, calling for a “tough reaction from the world,” warning that without international pressure, peace will remain out of reach.
Trump, when asked about the strike, called it a “horrible thing,” saying: “I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing,” he said.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a retired military officer, condemned the attack, saying it crossed “any line of decency.”
“As a former military leader, I understand targeting — and this is wrong. It’s why President Trump is working hard to end this war.”
Though Trump and Zelenskyy previously met at the White House earlier this year, tensions reportedly lingered during the discussion. Trump has also communicated with Vladimir Putin since then, though few signs point to a resolution that satisfies both Ukraine and Russia.
As Ukraine continues to face relentless bombardment, Zelenskyy’s message is clear: if world leaders want to truly understand the cost of this war, they must come and witness it with their own eyes.
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