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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited former President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine to grasp the realities of the ongoing conflict. In a recent CBS interview aired on Sunday, Zelenskyy expressed the importance of witnessing the impact of the war firsthand, stating, “Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead.”
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the pressing need for a ceasefire following a missile strike by Russia on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. He stated, “Everyone knows it is Russia alone that wants this war. Today it is clear that Russia alone wants to continue with it, showing its scorn for human life, international law and diplomatic efforts made by President [Donald] Trump.” Macron underscored that “strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia,” highlighting France’s commitment to working closely with its allies toward this objective.
The missile attacks in Sumy resulted in a tragic loss of life, with reports indicating at least 34 fatalities and 83 injuries. The strikes occurred during a busy Palm Sunday morning, particularly affecting a crowded city center. One of the missiles struck a trolley bus filled with passengers, causing significant casualties, including two children.
Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany’s chancellor, condemned the attack as “a perfidious act … and it is a serious war crime, deliberate and intended.” Speaking on ARD, Merz remarked that such acts highlight how Vladimir Putin responds to discussions of ceasefire, interpreting them as a sign of weakness rather than a sincere effort for peace. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the assault as “new horrible and cowardly Russian attack” that undermines genuine peace efforts.
EU chief Antonio Costa stated that Russia’s ongoing violence reiterates that this war persists solely due to Russia’s decisions. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his shock at the attacks in Sumy, insisting that Russian President Putin must agree to an unconditional ceasefire immediately.
Zelenskyy called for international allies to apply “strong pressure” on Russia, warning that without it, the conflict will continue indefinitely. He pointed out that “It’s been two months since Putin ignored America’s proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire,” lamenting that Moscow appears confident in its capacity to sustain the violence. “We need to act to change the situation,” he asserted.
Dan Sabbagh considered whether the rising civilian death toll in Sumy might compel the Trump administration to adopt a firmer stance in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia, which have shown little progression over the past two months. Historically, the Trump administration’s approach has focused on direct negotiations with Moscow while largely refraining from condemning Russian assaults on civilians.
In a rare expression of condemnation from the Trump administration on Sunday, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, stated: “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy. This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve a just and durable peace.” Additionally, US special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, who has had a less prominent role in ceasefire discussions, remarked that “Today’s Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency.”
In a related development, military representatives from Turkey and various foreign nations are set to convene in Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss Black Sea security amid potential ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, as announced by the Turkish defense ministry. However, specific details regarding participation have yet to be disclosed.
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www.theguardian.com