President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that seven people remain hospitalized after a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus in the Sumy region. The victims suffered burns, fractures, and concussions and are receiving the necessary medical care.
According to the president, nine people were killed in the attack. Preliminary reports indicate that an entire family — a father, mother, and daughter — died as a result. Zelensky expressed his condolences to the victims’ relatives.
He emphasized that the strike targeted a clearly civilian vehicle, meaning the Russians deliberately killed civilians. This, he said, could have been avoided, as Ukraine has long proposed a full and unconditional ceasefire. However, “Russia preserves only the possibility to go on killing.”
Zelensky called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia, including through tougher sanctions, in order to force Moscow toward genuine diplomacy. He noted that during recent talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation appeared weak and unprepared, lacking meaningful authority — something that, in his view, must change.
“Real steps are needed to end this war. Peace is necessary,” the president stated.