Camilla Jessen
After a Russian missile strike killed dozens in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Donald Trump called it a “mistake” and pushed for a quick end to the war.
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Speaking to CNN reporters aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump called Russia’s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy a “mistake” and a tragic result of what he referred to as “Biden’s war.”
I’m told they made a mistake. But I think it’s terrible. I think all war is a terrible thing,” Trump said. He added, “I’m just trying to stop it so we can save a lot of lives.
The comments came after a Russian missile hit Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing 34 people — including two children — and injuring 117 others, according to Ukraine’s emergency services.
The strike hit a busy area with homes, schools, and public buildings. It also damaged the congress center at Sumy State University, where a children’s play called The Capricious Princess was scheduled that morning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video from the scene showing destroyed buildings, burned-out cars, and the bodies of civilians.
Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street… And this is on a day when people go to church,” Zelensky wrote. “Only a bastard can act like that.
He called on the U.S., the EU, and other nations to take stronger steps to stop the war.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has not responded to the attack, but several Russian military bloggers claimed the missile targeted a military meeting place. One blog, “Two Majors,” said the congress center was used for military purposes but admitted that civilians were killed.
However, an investigation by independent outlet Vot Tak found that a children’s play was scheduled at the center at the time of the strike, with posters showing an 11:00 a.m. start.
Trump’s Peace Push Faces Setbacks
Just days before the strike, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Their talks lasted 4.5 hours and focused on trying to end the war.
The Trump administration has set a deadline at the end of April for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, Axios reported.
If Putin doesn’t agree, the U.S. is ready to roll out new sanctions — some of which could be permanent if passed by Congress.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the U.S. won’t wait “months” and is giving Putin just weeks to act.
According to Fox News, Trump is frustrated with Putin and believes he’s dragging out the talks on purpose.
The White House is also considering strict new penalties, including targeting Russia’s secretive oil fleet and adding massive tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil.