88 People Injured In Russian Missile Attack In Sumy Ukraine

Firefighters are trying to extinguish the fire due to a Russian missile attack in Sumy, Ukraine. (Wikimedia Commons/State Emergency Service of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - A Russian missile strike hit a densely populated district in the northeastern city of Sumy, Ukraine, wounding 88 people, including 17 children, on Monday when ceasefire talks were held, officials said.

The local governor Volodymyr Artiukh announced the latest number of victims on national television. He said more children had escaped injuries because they had been evacuated to airstrike protection areas.

"They are in densely populated areas affected by enemy attacks," Artiukh told television.

"Two schools fell into the impact zone. I was present when our rescuers cleared the location where the children were. They were in a protective building. All children were rescued and evacuated to a safe place," he continued.

Several high-rise housing blocks in the city center were also damaged.

Artiukh previously spoke in a video that he said was recorded at the scene with thick black smoke, fire and cars with windows broken in the background. Smoke also billowed from the top floor of a nearby five-story housing block.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his late-night video address lamented the attack as the latest example of "loss, pain and destruction, something Ukraine never wanted."

The missile hit the city as Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible ceasefire.

President Zelensky said Russia was "the only entity that prolongs this war and tortures our people and the rest of the world."

"To force Russia to make peace, strong measures and decisive action are needed," he said. "We are ready to support any strong initiative that makes diplomacy more effective," President Zelensky said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Adrii Sybiha said Moscow spoke of peace "while carrying out brutal attacks on densely populated residential areas in major Ukrainian cities."

"Instead of making an empty statement about peace, Russia must stop bombing our cities and end its war on civilians," Sybiha said.

Meanwhile, Sumy Artem Mayor Kobzar said on Telegram, an industrial facility was attacked but did not name him.

It is known that Sumy, located about 30 km (20 miles) from the Russian border, was constantly attacked by drones and missiles from Russia.