Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended an invitation to former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the aftermath of Russia's recent missile attack on Sumy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended an invitation to former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the aftermath of Russia's recent missile attack on Sumy. This strike, which occurred on Palm Sunday, resulted in at least 34 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks in 2025 The Guardian.​

Zelenskyy's Invitation

In a CBS interview, President Zelenskyy urged Trump to visit Ukraine, stating, "Please come to Ukraine before making any decisions. Come and see the ordinary people, the wounded soldiers, the destroyed hospitals, churches, and the bodies of children." He emphasized that such a visit would provide a clearer understanding of the situation than any diplomatic discussions The Guardian.​

Trump's Response

Former President Trump acknowledged the tragedy, describing the attack as "terrible" and a "mistake." However, he declined Zelenskyy's invitation, citing potential conflicts of interest due to the current administration's dealings with Ukraine. Trump stated, "I have great respect for President Zelenskyy, but think it would be inappropriate to go to Ukraine at this time" RBC Ukraine.​

International Reactions

The international community has condemned the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled it a "heinous attack," while German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz referred to it as a "planned war crime." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the strike as "barbaric and horrific" Reuters.​

Ongoing Tensions

The situation remains tense, with Russia accusing Ukraine of using civilians as human shields, a claim Kyiv has not directly addressed. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. officials engaging in discussions with Russian counterparts, although no significant breakthroughs have been reported .​