Russia's Missile Strike Sparks Global Condemnation and Intensifies Calls for Peace

Following a Russian missile strike on a church in Ukraine, video footage has emerged depicting the devastating aftermath. Emergency services reported that at least 32 individuals were killed in Sumy, including two children, as a result of the attack involving two ballistic missiles. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine also indicated that an additional 99 people were injured, with 11 of them being children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, expressing his outrage on social media. Online footage reveals thick smoke billowing from buildings and firefighters battling flames. The scene also shows what appear to be bodies covered in material. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also voiced his condemnation, stating that he is "appalled" by the attack. He emphasized the need for a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions.

President Zelensky has called for a global response to the attack, emphasizing that dialogue has not prevented the use of ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. He believes that Russia should be treated as a terrorist state. This attack follows a large-scale missile strike earlier in the week on Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in 20 fatalities. Both sides have accused each other of violating a temporary agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Russia this week to urge the Kremlin to engage in negotiations, as the Trump administration continues to pursue a peace agreement. Moscow has already rejected a US-backed proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and has been slow to implement a more limited truce in the Black Sea, suggesting that some sanctions on Russia should be lifted first.