Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing at least 34 innocent people, including children. This brutal attack shows Russia’s cruel strategy of targeting civilians. Pastor Mykola Pymonenko survived this horror and now shares his story of faith amid war.
The missiles hit as families gathered for church services on April 13, 2025. Bodies lay in the streets, wrapped in blankets, while survivors searched through rubble. Two children were among the dead, and over 100 people were wounded.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the attackers “filthy scum” for murdering ordinary people. The strikes hit a university building and exploded over crowded streets. Russia even used cluster bombs to maximize deaths.
A 13-year-old boy named Kyrylo Illiashenko became a hero. Though injured by shrapnel, he rescued others from a burning bus. His bravery shines in the darkness of this massacre.
This wasn’t an accident. Russia has a pattern of attacking civilians, like the children’s hospital in Kyiv or the train station in Kramatorsk. They aim to terrorize Ukraine into surrender.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Russia’s “horrifying” violence. He said President Trump is pushing hard to stop this war and bring peace. America stands with Ukraine against tyranny.
Pastor Pymonenko now warns Americans while visiting the U.S. He thanks God for surviving the Sumy attack but fears new Russian troops near his hometown. His faith stays strong despite the danger.
Ukrainians like Pastor Pymonenko show incredible courage. They face Russia’s evil every day but refuse to give up. We must support these freedom-loving people against aggression.
