A Russian missile strike has devastated the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, injuring at least 65 people, including 14 children, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which struck a hospital, residential buildings, and children’s institutions, marks another escalation in Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine.
Volodymyr Artyukh, head of the Sumy regional administration, confirmed that a rocket struck the city center, damaging multiple high-rise buildings and a school. “The children were in a protective structure and were evacuated. All are alive,” Artyukh stated. Emergency services have been deployed to the scene to control fires and manage the aftermath of the strike.
Sumy’s acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, initially reported that residential areas and children’s hospitals were among the targets but later clarified that children’s establishments and a hospital had been struck. The attack underscores the continued vulnerability of Sumy, which has faced repeated Russian assaults in recent months.
Sumy, located near the Russian border in northeastern Ukraine, has been a frequent target of missile and drone strikes. The region’s authorities have warned of increasing incursions by Russian units attempting to cross the border, raising fears of further escalation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defence minister reported that discussions between Kyiv and the U.S. in Riyadh on Sunday were “productive,” reflecting ongoing international diplomatic efforts amid intensifying conflict.
Overnight, Russian forces intercepted 28 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine claimed to have destroyed four military helicopters in Russia. BBC Verify has analyzed and confirmed footage of these developments. Additionally, Ukraine’s prosecution service has launched an investigation into the Sumy missile attack, which took place at approximately 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) in a densely populated area.
As Russia continues to make territorial gains, particularly in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian troops have been forced to withdraw from some positions, including in Russia’s Kursk region. However, in a rare success for Ukraine’s military, Kyiv’s forces have reportedly recaptured a village in Luhansk—their first counter-offensive victory in the east in months.
The latest attack on Sumy highlights the ongoing devastation of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has persisted for more than three years, with no signs of de-escalation.
