Silke Mayr Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine before engaging in any negotiations with Russia. Zelensky urged Trump to witness firsthand the devastation in the country, including the destruction of hospitals, churches, and the toll on civilians, particularly children. This appeal comes just before a deadly Russian missile strike in Sumy, northern Ukraine, which claimed 34 lives, including two children, and left 117 others injured.
Zelensky’s Call for Direct Insight
In a conversation aired on the U.S. television program 60 Minutes, President Zelensky emphasized that world leaders, including Trump, need to see the destruction caused by the war to understand its true scale. “Before any discussions or decisions are made, I invite you to see the reality of our situation here,” Zelensky stated, stressing the importance of experiencing the situation firsthand.
His appeal came just days before Russia launched a missile strike on Sumy, which devastated the city and led to significant civilian casualties. Zelensky’s statement highlights his desire for global leaders to recognize the severity of the humanitarian crisis before attempting to negotiate a resolution.
The Sumy Attack: A Deadly Strike
On Sunday, a Russian missile strike hit Sumy, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Ukraine in 2025. The strike left 34 people dead, including two children, and injured 117 others. The attack has been widely condemned by international leaders as a war crime, with many calling for accountability and immediate action.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump later commented on the attack, calling it “a horrible thing” but suggesting it could have been a mistake by Russian forces. His comments, however, have been met with criticism from leaders across the globe who view the attack as intentional and a violation of international law.
Global Outcry and Calls for Accountability
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union and set to become the country’s next chancellor, condemned the attack as a “calculated and heinous war crime.” Merz demanded that Russia be held accountable for its actions, emphasizing that such attacks against civilians cannot go unpunished.
The German government also officially declared the missile strike a deliberate violation of international law, reinforcing calls for swift international action. Russia, however, has not commented on the attack, and military activity near the Ukrainian border continues, with reports suggesting preparations for further strikes.
French President Emmanuel Macron joined in condemning the attack, stressing that Russia’s disregard for human lives and diplomatic efforts must not be tolerated. Macron confirmed that France would continue working with international partners to pressure Russia into agreeing to a ceasefire and ending the conflict.
European and International Leaders Join in Condemnation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack, labeling it “barbaric” and reaffirming Russia’s role as the aggressor in the conflict. Von der Leyen called for immediate and forceful actions to uphold international law and protect innocent civilians from further harm.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed outrage over the intentional targeting of civilians in Sumy, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his horror at the attack. A spokesperson for Guterres stated that the strike violated international humanitarian standards, noting that such attacks against non-combatants are forbidden under international law.
The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
The Sumy attack has intensified the already dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine, marking the deadliest assault on civilians in the country this year. Prior to this, a Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih on April 4th claimed 20 lives and injured 61 others. Russian forces claimed to have targeted a gathering of Ukrainian officers and Western advisors, but offered no proof of this claim.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, the war has resulted in the deaths or injuries of hundreds of thousands, with the majority of casualties being soldiers. The United Nations reports that nearly seven million Ukrainians have fled the country, seeking refuge in various nations around the world.
A Broader Conflict with Deep Historical Roots
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine dates back to 2014, following the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. This event led to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in Ukraine’s eastern regions. Since then, the war has escalated, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion in 2022, causing immense destruction and suffering for millions of civilians.
As the conflict continues to devastate Ukraine, international pressure on Russia to cease its attacks on civilians and engage in meaningful peace talks is growing. Leaders around the world, including those in the European Union and the United Nations, are calling for stronger actions to hold Russia accountable and prevent further atrocities. As the situation evolves, Ukraine remains committed to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with global efforts focused on bringing an end to the violence and restoring peace.