Russian glide bomb hits apartment in Ukraine's Sumy, two dead, seven injured

Russian Glide Bomb Strike Kills 2, Injures 7 in Ukraine’s Sumy City

Details and Aftermath of the Sumy Attack

Incident Overview

Sept 18 (Reuters) - A Russian glide bomb hit an apartment building in the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Friday, killing two people and injuring seven, leaving three of them in serious condition, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials said.

Ukrainian Response

President Zelenskiy's Statement

Zelenskiy, writing on the Telegram messaging app, denounced the "absolutely inhuman strike". He said emergency crews had rescued four people after the attack and said others could still be trapped under rubble.

"There was a direct hit by an aerial bomb between the third and fourth floors. Four people have already been rescued from under the rubble, including a child," he wrote. "There may still be people under the rubble."

Images and Rescue Efforts

Zelenskiy posted pictures on Telegram showing the shattered facade of the building and rescue workers making their way through debris.

Casualties and Injuries

Victims Identified

The head of Sumy city council said the two dead were city employees.

Injured and Their Condition

Regional Governor Oleh Hryhorov said three of the seven injured were in a serious condition. Among the injured was a 13-year-old girl.

Other Russian Strikes in Ukraine

Attacks in Pavlohrad and Kyiv

Zelenskiy said Russian forces had also hit a clinic in the central city of Pavlohrad and a logistics centre outside Kyiv, but provided no details on casualties.

Earlier Strike in Balakliia

An earlier Russian strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Balakliia killed two people and wounded two, Vitali Karabanov, the head of the city's military administration, said on Telegram.

Background and Context

Sumy’s Strategic Importance

Sumy, near the Russian border, has been a frequent Russian target in an area where Moscow says it wants to establish a buffer zone.

History of Balakliia in the Conflict

Balakliia, located in Kharkiv region, was captured by Russian forces in the early weeks of Moscow's February 2022 full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbour, but retaken by Ukrainian troops in a large counteroffensive later in the year.

Recent Attacks on Kyiv

The Ukrainian capital Kyiv had come under a Russian missile attack earlier in the evening, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, but there was no indication of casualties or damage.

International Perspective

Stance on Civilian Targets

Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the war.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Ron Popeski, Editing by Franklin Paul and Nia Williams)