Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict before endorsing any peace agreement with Russia. Zelensky’s appeal came during a 60 Minutes interview recorded just before a deadly missile strike on Sumy, which killed 34 people and injured 117 others, including two children. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from global leaders, highlighting the increasing human cost of the war.

Zelensky’s Appeal to Trump:

In a direct appeal, President Zelensky urged Trump to meet with Ukrainian civilians, soldiers, and victims of the war’s destruction to understand the true human cost of the conflict. Zelensky emphasized that any decision regarding peace talks with Russia should be based on a clear understanding of the ongoing suffering in Ukraine. The president’s remarks came in the wake of the missile attack on Sumy, which has further escalated tensions and demonstrated the brutality of the Russian military’s actions.

Zelensky’s comments were made just before the tragic missile strike in Sumy, which has since become one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Ukraine this year. The Ukrainian president also stated that seeing the destruction firsthand would help ensure that no peace agreement is reached at the expense of Ukrainian lives.

The Deadly Attack on Sumy:

On Sunday, Russian forces launched a devastating missile attack on the center of Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine. The explosions, which occurred in a densely populated area, resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, including two children. In addition, 117 others were injured, many severely. Videos shared on social media showed buildings reduced to rubble and streets filled with debris.

This attack marks the latest in a series of deadly assaults on Ukrainian cities, underscoring the ongoing human toll of the war. Sumy’s mayor, Artem Kobzar, described the missile strike as a “tragic” event, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to indiscriminate attacks by Russian forces.

Global Condemnation of the Strike:

International leaders have condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of international law. Former U.S. President Trump referred to the Sumy missile strike as “horrible” and described it as “a mistake.” However, he stopped short of offering further details, citing confidential information. Trump’s envoy, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, declared that the attack violated all standards of decency, emphasizing the need for accountability.

European leaders also voiced strong condemnation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the attack a “deliberate and grave war crime” during a televised interview. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed, stating that the assault further exposed the emptiness of Russia’s purported peace efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, blaming Russia for disregarding human life and diplomatic attempts to halt the violence.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, labeled the strike as “barbaric” and called on the international community to exert intense pressure on Russia. She reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to pursuing peace based on Ukraine’s terms and conditions.

UN and UK Reactions:

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his outrage over the attack, condemning Russia’s actions as targeting innocent civilians. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern, emphasizing the importance of protecting non-combatants in conflict zones. Guterres called for an immediate halt to all attacks that violate international humanitarian law, reaffirming the UN’s dedication to achieving peace and respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis:

The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has resulted in widespread suffering on both sides. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives or sustained injuries, while millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes. According to the UN, nearly seven million people have become refugees since the invasion began.

The roots of the conflict stretch back to 2014 when Ukraine’s pro-Russia president was overthrown. Russia subsequently annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, leading to years of conflict and instability in the region.

The Way Forward:

As the war continues to devastate Ukraine, the international community remains divided over how best to approach peace negotiations with Russia. Zelensky’s call for Trump to witness the destruction firsthand highlights the urgency of addressing the war’s human toll before any potential peace deal is reached. With global leaders calling for stronger action against Russia, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, and the humanitarian crisis deepens by the day.

The escalating violence in Ukraine, particularly the recent attack on Sumy, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. While diplomatic efforts continue, it is clear that any meaningful peace agreement must prioritize the well-being of Ukrainian civilians. President Zelensky’s call for a firsthand understanding of the war’s impact underscores the importance of making informed decisions in the pursuit of peace.