A Russian rocket attack hit the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuring 25 others, according to local officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating it highlights Russia’s lack of interest in ending the ongoing war, which has now lasted for three years.
This assault occurred just one day after peace talks in Istanbul failed to make any headway towards resolving the conflict. Local authorities reported that the rockets struck residential buildings and a medical facility in Sumy, causing significant damage and civilian casualties.
In response to the escalating violence, Ukraine’s secret service announced that they conducted a strike inside Russia, following a recent drone attack that targeted air bases deep within Russian territory. The Ukrainian Security Service claimed to have damaged the Kerch Bridge, a crucial supply route for Russian military operations in Crimea, by detonating over 1,100 kilograms of explosives. They stated that the bridge is now in an emergency condition, although the claims could not be independently verified.
Zelenskyy characterized the attack on Sumy as a deliberate strike against civilians, emphasizing that it reflects Russia’s true intentions regarding the war. He called for increased international pressure on Moscow, asserting that without decisive action from global powers, including the United States and Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not agree to even a ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with the United Nations estimating that over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have died since the war began. The front lines stretch for about 1,000 kilometers, and the fighting continues despite efforts by the U.S. to broker peace.
In a recent Ukrainian drone assault, officials claimed that over 40 Russian warplanes were damaged or destroyed at air bases within Russia, marking a significant setback for the Kremlin. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that some planes caught fire but insisted that they repelled attacks on other bases.
As the war drags on, the prospect of a peaceful resolution appears dim. Russian officials have indicated that they will not ease their military campaign, with former President Dmitry Medvedev asserting that the peace talks are aimed at ensuring a swift Russian victory rather than reaching a compromise.
In the meantime, Ukrainian officials are seeking support from the U.S. and other allies, hoping to strengthen their position in the ongoing conflict. As the situation unfolds, both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to engage in hostilities, with no clear end in sight.