A Tragic Day in Sumy: Zelensky Denounces Russia for Alleged Attack on Civilians
Russia allegedly orchestrates deliberate assault on minorities in Sumy.
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In the aftermath of a devastating attack on the city of Sumy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of intentionally targeting civilians. Taking to an online platform on Tuesday, Zelensky depicted the incident as a "deliberate attack" on innocent lives. The city, situated in northeastern Ukraine, has reportedly seen nearly 20 casualties, while three individuals lost their lives, according to Sumy's city manager, Oleh Grygorov. Furthermore, various facilities, cars, and residences were also impacted.
Simultaneously, the Russian military claimed to have seized control of another location in the Sumy region. The rural village of Andrijiwka, approximately five kilometers from the Russian border, now falls under Russian control. Tensions continue to mount in the Sumy region as Ukraine braces for a potential large-scale offensive by Russian forces.
Historically, Ukraine launched a surprise attack on the adjacent Russian region of Kursk last year. Although, Russian forces gradually reclaimed the territory. In April of the previous year, a Russian ballistic missile attack on Sumy took the lives of over 30 individuals. Most recently, Zelensky reported that Russia had mobilized more than 50,000 soldiers along the region's frontline.
According to recent intelligence, Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Sumy Oblast, employing extended-range glide bombs in a tactic referred to as a "scorched-earth" approach by Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Colonel Yurii Ihnat[1]. Furthermore, Russian forces have been active north of Sumy City, launching attacks on several villages, including Kindrativka, Andriivka, Novomykolaivka, and Kostyantynivka[1]. Ukrainian forces have also been seen engaging in counterattacks in the vicinity.
Currently, Russian forces are estimated to be approximately 26 kilometers away from Sumy City[5]. The ongoing conflict in the Sumy region represents a persistent threat to both military and civilian populations, mirroring the broader humanity crisis in Ukraine[2][4].
[1] "Ukrainian military says Russian forces use extended-range bombs in Sumy region," Kyiv Independence Square, June 3, 2025. [2] "Civilian Casualties Reported After Russian Attack in Sumy, Ukraine," Voice of America, June 3, 2025. [3] "Russian Forces Capture Village in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine," The New York Times, June 3, 2025. [4] "The Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine: An Overview," Human Rights Watch, May 31, 2025. [5] "Map: Russian Forces Advance on Sumy City in Ukraine," CNN, June 3, 2025.
- Despite the ongoing crisis in Sumy, Ukraine, where workers are at risk due to exposure to ionizing radiation from continuous attacks, politics continue to escalate amidst allegations of Russian intentions to target civilians.
- In the midst of the general news coverage about the conflict in Sumy, the European Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, despite the urgent need for such legislation in war-and-conflict zones.