34 Killed in Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, Kiev says

Ukrainian officials have killed 34 people and injured more in the April 13 Russian missile attack in Smie City, the northeastern city of Ukraine. “Only the villains can take the lives of ordinary people and act this way,” Ukrainian President Voldy Zelensky said in the aftermath of the reported attack. He also called for a robust response to reported attacks that occurred amid the US’s continued efforts to ensure a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Smee mayor Artem Kobzar has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the strike that took place on Palm Sunday’s Christian Holiday. Ukrainian Home Minister Ihol Klimenko condemned what he described as “the deliberate destruction of civilians on the day of the east feast of the important church.” According to Klymenko, the victims were on the streets, in cars and on public transport when two Russian ballistic missiles struck the city centre. Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak claimed the missile contained cluster ammunition. “The Russians do this to kill as many civilians as possible,” he said. According to Ukrainian officials, 34 people have been killed and more than 100 others have been injured in what is described as the largest single Russian attack on Ukraine so far this year. However, on April 14, Russian state-run TASS news agency quoted Igor Korockenko, a Russian military expert, saying the missile strike targeted the Smie administrative building, where Ukrainian military personnel gather. “From a war norm and regulations standpoint, this is a legitimate military target, successfully attacked and eliminated using the Iskander M ballistic missile system,” Korockenko told the press. Speaking to reporters shortly thereafter, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s claim that Russian troops “will carry out strikes with only military and paramilitary targets.” The Epoch Times could not independently verify Russian claims. Located in the Ukraine region of the same name, Sumy is about 15 miles from the Russian border. Last summer, Kiev used the city as a staging site for surprising cross-border attacks on Russia’s western Kursk region.