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Russia Claims Missile Strike Targeted Ukrainian Command Post in Sumy, Contradicting Civilian Casualty Reports
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![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims it targeted a Ukrainian military command post in the city of Sumy, even as evidence points to an attack on civilian infrastructure.
According to the ministry, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles struck a location where a meeting of Ukraine’s Sever Operational-Tactical Group command staff was reportedly underway. The strike allegedly resulted in the deaths of more than 60 Ukrainian service members.
The ministry accused Ukraine of using civilians as “human shields” by allegedly holding military gatherings in densely populated urban areas.
On the morning of April 13, 2025, Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles at the city center of Sumy, Ukraine. The strike occurred during Palm Sunday when the streets were filled with civilians. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 117 others, among them 15 children.
Several world leaders condemned Russia’s attack on Sumy, calling on Putin for an immediate and full ceasefire and the need for increased pressure on Moscow.
In an interview with The Kyiv Independent on April 9, Pastor Mark Burns, a spiritual advisor to US President Donald Trump said that witnessing the consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion first-hand led him to change his views. Previously known as a vocal critic of US support for Ukraine, he now considers aid to Kyiv essential and aligned with American interests.
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