In a comment to the Vatican media, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine spoke about the consequences of the Russian ballistic missile attack on the central part of Sumy during the Palm Sunday celebrations.
This was reported by Vatican News.
"This year, we are celebrating Easter together due to the alignment of the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Today is Palm Sunday, and in the city of Sumy, Ukraine, people of various denominations were heading to their churches to pray. A missile strike resulted in the deaths of more than 30 individuals right as they were on their way to worship, as the attack occurred in the very center of the city. This is how Holy Week in Ukraine began in various regions of the country. There’s nothing left but to turn to the Lord to defend us because it seems that no other force is capable of protecting peace and life,” stated the nuncio.
On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, Russian troops launched an attack on the city of Sumy in the north of Ukraine. Two ballistic missiles struck the central area of the city just as numerous believers were rushing to churches for the festive service. According to local authorities, 32 people were killed, including two children, and more than 80 were injured, some of whom were also children.