Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has posted on social media about the consequences of the missile attack on the centre of Sumy, which took place on the day of a major church holiday. According to him, Russia fired a ballistic missile at a densely populated part of the city when there were many people on the streets.
‘Russia hit the centre of the city with a ballistic missile. Right when there were many people on the street. It was a deliberate destruction of civilians on a major church holiday,’ Klymenko said.
According to preliminary data, the attack killed 21 people and injured at least 20 others. Among the victims are those who were on the street, in their own cars, public transport and residential buildings.
The minister noted that rescuers and police arrived at the scene immediately after the strike. The police have now restricted access to the affected area, and citizens are urged to follow the rules so as not to interfere with the work of emergency services.
Psychologists from the State Emergency Service and the police are working at the scene, and a headquarters has been set up to receive reports and provide assistance to the victims. Investigators and forensic experts are documenting the aftermath of the attack and collecting evidence of yet another Russian war crime against civilians.