Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that the Russian strike on civilians in Sumy, which killed three people, is a clear sign of Russia's so-called “desire“ to end the war, Ukrinform reported.
"The Russians dealt a brutal blow to Sumy - they directly hit the city and its ordinary streets with rocket artillery. This was a completely deliberate attack on civilians. A rescue operation is underway. Many people are injured. Three people have been confirmed dead so far. I express my condolences to their families and loved ones. All emergency services are engaged to provide assistance to all those affected," Zelensky said on Telegram.
He added that at least one shell from a multiple rocket launcher system did not explode. According to the Ukrainian president, this shell pierced the wall of a room in an ordinary apartment on the 9th floor.
"This in itself says everything one needs to know about Russia's so-called "desire" to end this war," he stressed.
"It is obvious: without global pressure - without decisive action by the United States, Europe and all those in power around the world - Putin will not agree to even a ceasefire. Not a day goes by without Russia striking Ukrainian cities and villages. Every day we lose our people to Russian terror. Every day, Russia provides new reasons for tougher sanctions and stronger support to protect the lives of Ukrainians."
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said its troops had captured Andreyevka in Ukraine's Sumy region, Reuters reported.
Russian air defense forces shot down 199 Ukrainian drones, TASS reported, citing the Defense Ministry. In addition, four JDAM guided aerial bombs and two missiles from the US-made HYMARS multiple launch rocket system were shot down, the statement said.