Following a ballistic missile strike on the city centre of Sumy on 13 April, which killed dozens of civilians, Russia’s Defence Ministry cynically claimed that the attack had targeted a so-called "military meeting" and that civilians had been used as "human shields".

Source: Russian media outlets Interfax, RIA Novosti and Meduza

Details:Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that two Iskander missiles were launched on Sumy, allegedly targeting a meeting of the command staff of the Ukrainian Siversk Operational Tactical Group.

The Russian military claimed that the attack killed over 60 Ukrainian servicemen. No official confirmation of this claim exists.

At the same time, the ministry dismissed the deaths of dozens of civilians, absurdly stating that they were supposedly used as "human shields" in the city centre.

Background:

• On the morning of 13 April, Russian forces launched a missile strike on the centre of Sumy. The State Emergency Service reported that 34 people had been killed, including 2 children. As of the morning of 14 April, the number of casualties had risen to 119, including 15 children.
• US President Donald Trump stated that he was told Russia "made a mistake" by striking Sumy on Palm Sunday, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited President Trump to visit Ukraine before making any decisions or plans concerning ceasefire negotiations.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon !