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War in Ukraine

Sumy Strike in Photos: Russia’s Deadliest Attack on Ukraine in 2025, Claiming 34 Lives

7 min read
Authors
Josh Olley
Photographer
Sumy Strike in Photos: Russia’s Deadliest Attack on Ukraine in 2025, Claiming 34 Lives

On the morning of April 13, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Russian forces fired two ballistic missiles at the central area of Sumy, Ukraine. The attack took place on Palm Sunday, a time when the city’s streets were crowded with civilians. Ukrainian authorities report that the strike resulted in at least 34 deaths, including two children, and left 117 people injured, among them 15 children.

SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko. via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko. via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Oleksandr Oleksienko Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Oleksandr Oleksienko Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Two men comfort each other as Ukrainian police psychologists provide assistance to local residents following a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy killed at least 31 people and wounded 84 on Palm Sunday, Kyiv said, in another deadly attack on civilians that came after a top US official travelled to Russia. (Photo: OLEG VORONENKO via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Two men comfort each other as Ukrainian police psychologists provide assistance to local residents following a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy killed at least 31 people and wounded 84 on Palm Sunday, Kyiv said, in another deadly attack on civilians that came after a top US official travelled to Russia. (Photo: OLEG VORONENKO via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A relative cries over the body of one of those killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city center on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A relative cries over the body of one of those killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city center on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13:  The body of a woman killed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city center lies in a wrecked trolleybus on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: The body of a woman killed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city center lies in a wrecked trolleybus on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13:  Bodies of two people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with an emergency blanket at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of two people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with an emergency blanket at the strike site on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A building in the city center is partially destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Oleksandr Oleksienko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets amid the street on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Yehor Kryvoruchko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: Bodies of people killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike lie covered with emergency blankets amid the street on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo by Yehor Kryvoruchko via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A Ukrainian rescuer walks by a burned car in front of damaged building at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, killed at least 34 people, as European and US leaders condemned one of the deadliest attacks in months. (Photo: ROMAN PILIPEY via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A Ukrainian rescuer walks by a burned car in front of damaged building at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, killed at least 34 people, as European and US leaders condemned one of the deadliest attacks in months. (Photo: ROMAN PILIPEY via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A Ukrainian rescuer takes a break at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, killed at least 34 people, as European and US leaders condemned one of the deadliest attacks in months. (Photo: Roman PILIPEY via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A Ukrainian rescuer takes a break at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, killed at least 34 people, as European and US leaders condemned one of the deadliest attacks in months. (Photo: Roman PILIPEY via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13:  A children's scooter is left at the site of a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city centre, killing many civilians on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Denys Kryvopyshyn via Getty Images)
SUMY, UKRAINE - APRIL 13: A children's scooter is left at the site of a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city centre, killing many civilians on April 13, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine. The death toll after Russian ballistic missiles' attack on the center of Sumy has risen to 34, including two children. At least 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. On Palm Sunday, the Russian army launched two ballistic missiles with cluster munition at the central part of the city at a time when there were many people on the streets - dozens of people were killed and injured in the city; civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Denys Kryvopyshyn via Getty Images)
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