UK Prime Minister calls for immediate ceasefire as Palm Sunday strike shocks international community
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a devastating Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 32 people and left dozens more injured. The attack, which took place on Palm Sunday, saw two ballistic missiles launched into the heart of the city as residents gathered to mark the Christian holiday.
Speaking in Downing Street on Sunday evening, Sir Keir said he was “appalled” by the assault and reiterated his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Among the victims were at least two children, with Ukraine’s emergency services confirming that 84 people were injured, many seriously.
“This latest deadly attack is a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed perpetrated by Putin,” Sir Keir said.
“President Zelensky has shown his commitment to peace. President Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions – as Ukraine has done.”
The Russian missile barrage struck just after dawn in Sumy, located roughly 20 miles from the Russian border. The missiles struck a residential area and a busy square where families had gathered for Palm Sunday observances. Rescue teams worked throughout the day to pull survivors from the rubble, while local hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to condemn the attack, saying: “Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people.”
The Sumy tragedy is the second major strike on civilians in less than a week. Earlier, a Russian missile attack on President Zelensky’s hometown, Kryvyi Rih, killed 20 people, prompting renewed calls from Ukraine and its Western allies for more robust international support, particularly in terms of air defence systems.
Efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution remain fraught. Over the past week, US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Moscow in another bid to bring Russian officials to the negotiating table. However, the Kremlin rejected a US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, instead demanding that some sanctions on Russia be lifted as a precondition for talks.
Tensions have been further strained by allegations from both sides of breaching a fragile agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Ukraine claims Russia has continued targeting key energy grids, while Moscow accuses Kyiv of launching drone strikes on power facilities inside Russian territory.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking at a recent summit of Ukraine’s allies, gave a bleak assessment of the situation, warning: “Peace appears to be out of reach in the immediate future.”
Sir Keir, who has made support for Ukraine a cornerstone of his foreign policy since entering Number 10, urged world leaders not to be disheartened.
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“The horror we’ve seen in Sumy today underlines the need for sustained international pressure,” he said.
“Ballistic missiles and bombs do not bring peace. It’s time for the global community to stand united against this barbarism.”
In a further statement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy added: “The UK remains resolute in its support for Ukraine. We will continue to stand with our Ukrainian partners until the aggression ceases and sovereignty is restored.”
Sunday’s events have sparked renewed calls in Parliament for increased military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as for fresh sanctions on Russian individuals and companies linked to the arms trade.
As flags flew at half-mast across Ukrainian government buildings and a day of mourning was declared in Sumy, President Zelensky said simply: “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.”
