**Russian Missile Strike Devastates Ukrainian City of Sumy**
On June 3, the Ukrainian city of Sumy was hit by a devastating Russian missile strike, leaving four people dead and 28 others injured, including three children. The attack occurred during rush hour, with multiple launch rocket systems firing at least five missiles into the city center.
According to eyewitnesses, the air was thick with the smell of fuel from ruptured tanks, and shell fragments peppered a yellow number 55 bus that stopped at a red light just moments before an explosion. Miraculously, all passengers survived, but the driver suffered an injured arm.
The attack targeted a busy road in the city center, where people were going about their daily business. A medical facility and residential buildings, as well as two cars, were destroyed or damaged. Remnants of the munition protruded from the asphalt, and dozens of small potholes appeared on the road.
**Escalating Attacks on Sumy**
Sumy has been a frequent target for Russian attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine. In recent weeks, there have been reports of increased hostilities along the northeastern border, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that Russia is accumulating 50,000 troops near the area.
The attack came as ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine failed to achieve a breakthrough in peace efforts. A second round of talks in Istanbul on June 2 focused on a new prisoner exchange, but negotiations stalled once again.
**Response from Ukrainian Officials**
President Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it a “savage strike” directly targeting civilians. He accused Russia of deliberately attacking ordinary streets with rocket artillery and criticized the country’s alleged desire to end the war.
The head of Sumy Regional State Administration, Oleh Hryhorov, also spoke out against the attack, saying that Russian forces launched an insidious attack on the city center during morning rush hour.
**Humanitarian Response**
As the city struggles to cope with the aftermath of the attack, humanitarian centers are stepping in to provide aid. Ihor Klymenko, head of the Prolisok humanitarian center in Sumy Oblast, described the scene as “a little nervous and in a state of shock.” Volunteers were seen sweeping up glass and talking on the phone with their relatives to reassure them that they were safe.
**The Need for Peace**
As Russia and Ukraine continue to negotiate a ceasefire and peace negotiations, the attack on Sumy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. The international community must come together to push for a lasting resolution to this conflict and prevent further innocent lives from being lost.
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