President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a request to Donald Trump in the wake of a devastating Russian missile attack which has killed at least 34 people.
Russia launched a missile strike on Sunday (13 April) on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which has led to leaders across the world calling for a ceasefire, with a further 117 people wounded in the attacks.
It is reported that two missiles landed in the busy city centre, hitting a bus full of passengers, with many of those who were killed seemingly on their way to church for Palm Sunday.
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Zelenskyy said that medics are doing 'everything they can' to help, BBC reports.
He added: "The strike hit right in the heart of the city on Palm Sunday. Only completely deranged scum can do something like this."
Trump and Zelenskyy notably met at the White House earlier this year to discuss the war, which has been ongoing since Russia's invasion in 2022, but the meeting was a tense one.
While Trump has also spoken with Vladimir Putin over the phone regarding the war, the Russian president's worrying statements do little to suggest that there will be a end to the fighting which suits both parties in the near future.
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Following Sunday's devastating strikes, Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, has called for an immediate ceasefire.
He said (via The Guardian): “Everyone knows it is Russia alone that wants this war. Today it is clear that Russia alone wants to continue with it, showing its scorn for human life, international law and diplomatic efforts made by President Trump.
"Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners.”
Zelenskyy shared images and videos showing the aftermath of the attack on social media, Sky News reports, and he has since made a request to Trump to come and see the devastation first hand.
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In a CBS interview broadcast on Sunday, Zelenskyy said: “Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead.
"Come, look, and then let's move with a plan how to finish the war. You will understand with whom you have a deal. You will understand what Putin did."
Trump was also asked about the latest developments in the war and suggested that the strikes were a 'horrible thing'.
He said: “I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing.”
Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, who is Trump's envoy for the Russia-Ukranian war, described the attack as crossing 'any line of decency', adding: "As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war."
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In his statement on social media, Zelenskyy further claimed that 'tough reaction from the world is needed' as he says Russia is continuing to 'drag out this war', and without 'pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible'.
Topics: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump, Russia, Vladimir Putin, World News
James Moorhouse