French President Emmanuel Macron has called for “strong measures” to compel Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, following a devastating missile strike carried out by Russian forces on the city of Sumy. This strike resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals and left 99 others injured, with reports indicating that children were among the casualties.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Macron expressed his firm stance on the situation, stating, “Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone.” He emphasized that it is now evident that Russia is responsible for the ongoing conflict, demonstrating a blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
The attack on Sumy, which occurred in the morning with two ballistic missiles launched at the city center, has drawn international condemnation. The Ukrainian government has pointed to the strike as further proof of Russia’s aggression and lack of concern for civilian safety. Macron’s call for strong actions to enforce a ceasefire reflects a growing impatience among Western leaders over the persistent violence and casualties in the conflict.
As the situation remains dire, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and considering potential responses to Russia’s actions. The emphasis on imposing strong measures is part of a broader effort to bring an end to the hostilities that have devastated Ukraine and caused significant humanitarian crises.
