Donald Trump Slams Russia After Attack On Ukrainian Civilians. He Reveals Why: ‘It Was Horrible’

At least 35 people died in a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. President Zelensky called on Donald Trump to personally come to Ukraine and see the realities of the war. The US President stated that, according to Russia’s explanations, the attack was a “mistake”. He also revealed who exactly was targeted. “But I think it’s terrible,” concluded Donald Trump. Details below.

On Sunday morning (April 13, 2025), two Russian ballistic missiles struck the center of Sumy, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 100. This is the second attack in less than two weeks in which Russia has inflicted serious casualties on civilians. Kiev maintains that such actions demonstrate Moscow’s lack of genuine interest in peace.

“It was terrible. I was told that a mistake was made. But I think it’s terrible,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Kommersant that the attack was aimed at a “meeting between Ukrainian military commanders and Western officials,” according to The New York Times. He did not comment on civilian casualties.

The Ukrainian army has not confirmed any casualties among its soldiers, but media outlets have reported the death of Colonel Yuri Yuila, commander of the 27th Brigade. Footage from the scene shows only civilian casualties.

Donald Trump Responds to Russia’s Attack: Explanations and Harsh Assessment of Actions

It is unclear exactly what Trump meant when he said he was “told” that Russia “made a mistake.” The words could be interpreted as an attempt to justify Moscow’s actions. Since the beginning of his presidency, Trump has generally avoided openly criticizing Vladimir Putin. According to The New York Times, some members of his administration have spoken out more harshly. The envoy for Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, said Russia had “crossed all boundaries of decency” by targeting civilians. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attack “horrific” and called for an end to the war.

“This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his administration are putting so much effort into achieving lasting peace,” Rubio wrote on social media.

So far, U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire have yielded no results. The White House says Russia is running out of time to show it is serious about peace talks. Ukrainian officials say Moscow is deliberately delaying the talks, hoping for further military successes.

Zelensky invites Trump to Ukraine. “Let’s prepare a plan to end the war”

In an interview before the attack on Sumy, President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Donald Trump to Ukraine. “Come, see, and then let’s make a plan to end the war. You’ll understand who you’re dealing with. You’ll understand what Putin did,” he told CBS’s “60 Minutes.” Zelensky was speaking from his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, where a Russian attack earlier this month killed 19 people, including nine children.

According to Ukrainian sources, the attack on Sumy occurred while residents were celebrating Palm Sunday. Videos and photos from the scene of the tragedy show bodies lying in the streets, burned cars and destroyed buildings. “There was a girl, maybe 14 years old – dead. A young woman – I won’t describe the wounds, they were horrible. Another woman had her jaw torn off,” reported 69-year-old Sumy resident Volodymyr Boyko, who was injured in a bus hit by a shock wave.

Just two days before the attack, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss a possible ceasefire, a gesture that Ukrainian commentators have suggested could embolden the Kremlin to take further military action.

Russia’s Treachery and “Pretended Good Will.” Ukraine in Trap

Social media has been flooded with memes showing Vitkoff shaking Putin’s hand against the backdrop of the ruins in Sumy. In his Sunday evening speech, Zelensky recalled that two months have passed since Russia refused to accept an unconditional ceasefire. “They are not afraid. That is why they continue to launch ballistic missiles,” he said.

During a visit to Kyiv on Monday, Senator Tim Kaine said the attack on Sumy exposed the “treachery of Russia, which started this war and continues to sustain it.” “It raises serious questions about their good faith,” he added.