Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine before considering any peace talks with Russia. He stressed the need to see the suffering and destruction firsthand. This plea came shortly before a deadly missile strike in the city of Sumy on Sunday, which killed 34 people and injured over 100. The attack, one of the deadliest this year, sparked global condemnation and renewed calls for justice and peace.
Zelensky’s Plea to Trump: Witness the Reality
In a televised interview recorded prior to the Sumy attack, Volodymyr Zelensky directly appealed to Trump.
“Before any decision or negotiation, witness the wounded, the fallen, the destroyed homes and sacred places,” he said.
Zelensky’s message comes amid speculation that Trump could play a role in negotiating peace between Ukraine and Russia if he returns to office. However, Zelensky emphasized that any such decision must be informed by firsthand experience of the war’s human cost.
Deadly Attack in Sumy Sparks Outrage
On April 13, two Russian missiles struck a residential area in the northeastern city of Sumy. The strike killed 34 civilians, including two children, and injured 117 others. Homes, schools, and a medical clinic were among the buildings damaged.
Officials say this is the deadliest civilian attack in Ukraine so far this year. Search and rescue operations continued into the night, with emergency crews pulling bodies from the rubble.
World Leaders Condemn the Missile Strike
The international reaction to the Sumy attack was swift and severe.
Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called the attack a “grave war crime.” He told German media that the strike was deliberate and premeditated.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the incident proves Russia is not serious about peace. “This is not a mistake. It is a message,” he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron joined in the condemnation, saying, “Russia continues to ignore diplomacy and the value of human life.” He called for stronger global action to force a ceasefire.
Trump’s Response Draws Criticism
In response to the Sumy attack, Donald Trump called the strike “horrible” and “a mistake.” He did not offer further comment or condemnation.
His former national security advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, issued a stronger statement. “This attack goes against any basic standard of decency,” Kellogg said.
Critics say Trump’s muted reaction shows a lack of urgency or understanding of the ongoing crisis.
Global Leaders Push for Accountability and Peace
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, called the attack “barbaric” and said Russia had violated international law once again. She vowed continued European support until Ukraine reaches a just peace.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed “shock and horror” over the civilian deaths. He said the United Kingdom stands with Ukraine in its fight for survival.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also weighed in, condemning the attack and calling for the protection of non-combatants. “Attacks on civilians are never acceptable,” he said. He repeated the UN’s support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
Ongoing Civilian Deaths and a War With Deep Roots
The war continues to take a heavy toll on civilians.
On April 4, another Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih killed 20 people and injured 61 more. Russia claimed the target was a meeting of foreign advisors, but no evidence was provided.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than 10,000 civilians have died, according to UN estimates. Military deaths are believed to be far higher, with some sources estimating hundreds of thousands on both sides.
Nearly seven million Ukrainians have fled their homes and now live as refugees in other countries.
The war’s origins stretch back to 2014, when Ukraine’s then-president, who leaned toward Russia, was removed by mass protests. Soon after, Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. That long-running conflict escalated in 2022 into the current full-scale invasion.
A Call for Leadership and Truth
Zelensky’s invitation to Trump is more than a political gesture—it’s a challenge. He wants world leaders, especially those with influence, to see the war for what it is: a brutal invasion costing thousands of lives.
“Seeing is believing,” Zelensky said. “Only after visiting can anyone truly understand what is at stake.”
Whether Trump accepts the invitation remains to be seen. But the call has already stirred debate in political and diplomatic circles.
As Ukraine continues to fight, and international leaders increase pressure on Russia, the world watches closely. The people of Sumy, like so many others, are waiting for justice—and peace.