Rising Tensions After Deadly Strike in Sumy
After a devastating Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 35 people and injured 117 others, U.S. President Donald Trump reignited controversy by blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed that Zelensky, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Joe Biden, shared responsibility for the war’s heavy toll.
“You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope for missiles,” Trump said, referencing Ukraine’s defensive efforts.
NATO Stands with Ukraine as Russia Escalates Attacks
In contrast to Trump’s remarks, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Ukraine to express strong support for Kyiv. Speaking alongside Zelensky in Odesa, Rutte condemned Russia as the clear aggressor, highlighting a “terrible pattern” of attacks on civilians.
While Trump initially described the Sumy attack as a “terrible mistake” by Russia, he later shifted focus, repeating unsubstantiated claims that millions had died because of poor leadership decisions by Putin, Biden, and Zelensky.
Political Fallout and Peace Negotiations
The aftermath of the attack saw Ukrainian media report that a medal ceremony may have been targeted, leading to Zelensky firing Sumy’s regional chief. Meanwhile, Trump continued to suggest that Biden and Zelensky could have prevented the war, despite Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and full-scale 2022 invasion, both predating Zelensky’s presidency.
Trump’s administration is pursuing separate peace talks with Moscow, sidelining Kyiv. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for five hours in St. Petersburg, discussing proposals for permanent peace and controversial topics like Ukraine’s territorial integrity and NATO’s defense agreements.
Although negotiations have not yet produced a ceasefire, Trump remains optimistic, citing “commercial opportunities” as a path to regional stability.
Zelensky’s Plea for Awareness
In an interview recorded before the Sumy attack, Zelensky urged Trump to visit Ukraine before negotiating with Russia. He called on him to witness the devastation firsthand, from destroyed churches to wounded civilians.
Sunday’s attack, the deadliest on civilians this year, struck while people were attending Palm Sunday services. Ukraine responded by striking the Russian brigade believed responsible for the missile assault.
As the war continues, the stark contrast between Trump’s position and the global consensus underscores the complex, often conflicting, narratives shaping the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.