Trump’s remarks highlight a rare moment of pushback from his administration against Moscow.
Trump Labels Russian Missile Strike on Sumy as ‘Horrible’
Trump Labels Russian Missile Strike on Sumy as ‘Horrible’
At least 34 casualties reported after deadly attack, amid calls for a cease-fire.
On April 14, 2025, President Trump referred to the recent Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy as a “horrible” mistake. This deadly attack resulted in the deaths of at least 34 individuals and left over 100 injured, igniting renewed fears about civilian safety in the ongoing conflict. The strike, which targeted the city center, was the second such incident in recent weeks and raised alarms among Ukrainian officials regarding Russia’s commitment to negotiating a cease-fire.
While aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing.” However, the source of Trump's information and his specific criticism of Russia remained ambiguous, especially as he has historically refrained from directly blaming Vladimir Putin for various actions taken by Russia since his presidency began.
In contrast, key members of Trump’s administration displayed stronger condemnation of the attack. Keith Kellogg, a retired U.S. general serving as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, emphasized that targeting civilians crossed “any line of decency.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced his outrage on social media, labeling the action a “horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy,” and stressing the administration’s dedication to establishing peace.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, these remarks signal a growing tension within Trump’s cabinet over how to approach Moscow’s aggressive tactics and the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by the Ukrainian population.
While aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing.” However, the source of Trump's information and his specific criticism of Russia remained ambiguous, especially as he has historically refrained from directly blaming Vladimir Putin for various actions taken by Russia since his presidency began.
In contrast, key members of Trump’s administration displayed stronger condemnation of the attack. Keith Kellogg, a retired U.S. general serving as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, emphasized that targeting civilians crossed “any line of decency.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced his outrage on social media, labeling the action a “horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy,” and stressing the administration’s dedication to establishing peace.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, these remarks signal a growing tension within Trump’s cabinet over how to approach Moscow’s aggressive tactics and the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by the Ukrainian population.
