Putin accused of prolonging Ukraine war after deadly missile strike in Sumy

Vladimir Putin was accused of deliberately continuing the war in Ukraine after at least 32 people were killed, including two children, in a double Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday.

Officials claimed two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the city at around 10.30am just as locals were gathering to celebrate on the Sunday before Easter.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said "dozens" had been slain in the missile attack which sparked global condemnation.

Another 84 people were injured in the strike, including 10 children.

The attack on Sumy was one of the deadliest so far this year and comes a little over a month after a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine s tarted.

The north eastern city of Sumy has come under intense attack from Moscow in recent weeks. Yesterday's strike comes just days after US envoy Steve Witkoff flew to St Petersburg to meet Vladimir Putin as hopes of a potential ceasefire rose.

President Zelenksky said: "It is very important for everyone in the world not to remain silent, not to remain indifferent.

"Russian strikes deserve only condemnation. Pressure is needed on Russia to end the war and guarantee people's safety.

"Without really strong pressure, without proper support from Ukraine, Russia will continue to drag out this war."

Earlier this year Putin indicated he would be prepared to agree to a short-term ceasefire with Ukraine - but only on his terms.

In a televised address he said was broadly in favour of a US plan for a 30-day truce, before chillingly adding "there are nuances".

He said: "We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities. But our position is based on the assumption the ceasefire will lead to a long-term peace and would eliminate the root causes of this crisis."

The strings-attached statement was made in a defiant address from the Kremlin during a meeting with ally and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

He has repeatedly ruled out a temporary ceasefire without a guarantee that Ukraine would be banned from joining the Nato alliance. He also reiterated his position that Russia will not return land seized from Ukraine, which borders it to the east and northeast.

Putin, 72, said Russia agrees with a ceasefire but it should lead to "enduring peace and remove underlying causes of this crisis" - interpreted to mean expansion by Nato and Ukrainian sovereignty.

The Kremlin said Russia is continuing work on "building bilateral relations and on Ukraine settlement ideas" with Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov adding: "This process is time-consuming, probably due to the complexity of the substance. The president remains open to contact with President Trump."

Russia has accused Ukraine of continuing attacks against energy sites despite an agreement to limit such strikes as part of a US-negotiated ceasefire.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I am appalled at Russia's horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time.

"This latest deadly attack is a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed perpetrated by Putin."

Mr Starmer said President Zelenskyy had "shown his commitment to peace", adding: "President Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions - as Ukraine has done".

French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack a "blatant disregard for human lives".

He said: "Two Russian missiles struck the heart of the city of Sumy, causing numerous civilian casualties, including children once again.

"Everyone knows this war was initiated by Russia alone. And it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it - with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump.

"Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners.

"To the victims, the wounded, and all of Ukraine that continues to resist: our solidarity, our respect, our unwavering commitment."