Poland calls on Trump to take decisive action against Russia after a deadly strike killing 34 Ukrainians on Palm Sunday, as European leaders condemn Moscow’s aggression.
At a Glance
- Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski urged President Trump to counter Putin’s actions following a deadly missile strike that killed 34 people in Ukraine
- Russia launched ballistic missiles into Sumy while claiming to target Ukrainian military officials, resulting in 30 deaths and 119 injuries
- The attack followed a previous strike on President Zelenskyy’s hometown, killing 19 people, including nine children
- European leaders from Germany, Lithuania, and France have condemned the attacks as war crimes and called for stronger sanctions
- Trump described the attacks as “terrible” but mentioned being told they might have been a mistake
Poland Demands Stronger U.S. Response to Russian Aggression
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, urging a firm response to Russia’s latest deadly attacks on Ukraine. The Palm Sunday strike, which claimed 34 lives including two children, has sparked outrage across European capitals as Moscow continues its aggressive military campaign. Sikorski emphasized that Ukraine had previously agreed to a ceasefire, making Russia’s continued attacks particularly egregious and suggesting they represent a deliberate mockery of diplomatic efforts.
The attack on Sumy has been described by Russian officials as targeting Ukrainian military personnel, but the civilian death toll has prompted widespread condemnation. Over the past month, Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of Ukraine, using a combination of air bombs, drones, and various missile systems. This escalation comes despite Ukraine’s reported willingness to engage in peace talks.
Trump’s Response and European Reaction
President Trump addressed the attacks, calling them “terrible” but suggesting they might have been unintentional. His measured response contrasts with the more forceful condemnation from European leaders who have characterized the strikes as deliberate war crimes. The differing perspectives highlight ongoing tensions in the international approach to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Lithuania took the significant diplomatic step of summoning a Russian diplomat over the incident, while Germany’s Chancellor-Designate Friedrich Merz denounced the attacks. France’s Foreign Minister joined the chorus of condemnation, advocating for tougher sanctions designed to weaken Russia’s economy and military capabilities. These coordinated responses demonstrate a growing European consensus on the need for stronger measures against Russian aggression.
Pattern of Escalation and Civilian Casualties
The strike on Sumy follows an earlier attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, which killed 19 people, including nine children. This pattern of targeting civilian areas has intensified international concern about Russia’s tactics. The timing of these attacks during Palm Sunday, a significant religious holiday, has been viewed by many as particularly callous and deliberately provocative.
The devastating human toll—119 injuries in addition to the deaths in Sumy alone—has galvanized calls for more decisive international action. Poland, with its strategic position as a NATO frontline state bordering both Russia and Ukraine, has emerged as a particularly vocal advocate for stronger Western support for Ukraine and more consequential penalties for Moscow. As the conflict continues to claim civilian lives, the pressure on Western leaders to formulate a more effective response continues to mount.