**Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast Under Fire: Governor Denies Responsibility for Awards Ceremony During Russian Strike**
The city of Sumy, located in northeastern Ukraine, was hit by a devastating Russian missile attack on Palm Sunday (April 13), killing 35 people and injuring over 100. The attack marked one of the worst strikes against the city since the full-scale war began.
In the aftermath of the attack, Governor Volodymyr Artiukh came under fire for allegedly planning an awards ceremony at the same time as the Russian strike. However, in comments to Suspilne outlet on April 14, Artiukh denied initiating the event, stating “It wasn’t my initiative. I was invited.”
The accusations against Artiukh were made by Artem Semenikhin, mayor of Konotop city, who claimed that the governor had planned an awards ceremony for the 117th Brigade in the regional center on the same day as the Russian strike. This move has been widely criticized for posing undue risk to civilians and military personnel.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims made by Semenikhin, and the Ukrainian military and security services have not commented on the accusations against Artiukh.
**Russia’s Reckless Use of Cluster Munitions**
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has stated that Russia deployed cluster munitions during the attack against Sumy’s heavily populated areas. These weapons are designed to maximize casualties by dispersing hundreds of smaller “bomblets” in a wide area upon impact.
The use of cluster munitions by Russian forces has been widely condemned, with European leaders denouncing the attack as a war crime and an evidence of Russia’s rejection of peace efforts. The strike took place as Moscow continues to reject a 30-day truce, previously supported by Kyiv.
**U.S. Officials Alarmed Over Diplomatic Shift**
Some U.S. officials have raised alarms over the direction of the Trump administration’s diplomacy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg are urging President Donald Trump to resist territorial concessions to Moscow.
The proposed cuts to the State Department budget, which would reportedly leave $28.4 billion for all State Department activities, a 48% reduction from the 2025 budget approved by Congress, have also raised concerns among U.S. officials.
**Russian Attacks Continue Across Ukraine**
Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least six civilians and injured at least 17, including a child, over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 15.
The attack on Sumy was one of several Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and towns in recent days. The U.S. still holds an edge in terms of military aid, but the gap is shrinking as Washington has not allocated a new aid package since January 9.
**International Response**
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Moscow for consultations with Russian officials ahead of the second round of nuclear program negotiations, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on April 14.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Hungary on April 14 for being the only EU member state lacking “moral clarity” on Russia’s war against Ukraine. The European Union’s top diplomat also warned that any participation in the 9th May parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly.
**Ukraine’s Resilience**
Despite the ongoing attacks, Ukraine remains resolute in its commitment to defending itself against Russian aggression. The country has invited top European Union officials to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.
The support of international partners is crucial in this effort, with the U.K. transferring $24,500 to Veteran Hub through the sale of over 1,000 “I Stand With Ukraine” T-shirts.
As the situation on the ground remains fluid and volatile, one thing is clear: Ukraine’s resilience and determination will continue to inspire hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
