Ukraine Accuses Russia Of 'Hollow Statements' As Missile Strike Injures 88 Ukrainians Including Children

 

A Russian missile strike in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has wounded at least 88 people, including 17 children, according to the local council. 

The attack, which damaged a school and a hospital, occurred as Russia and the United States held talks in Saudi Arabia over a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, Sky News reports.

 

"Moscow speaks of peace while carrying out brutal strikes on densely populated residential areas in major Ukrainian cities," Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said. 

"Instead of making hollow statements about peace, Russia must stop bombing our cities and end its war on civilians." 

 

The missile strike has heightened tensions as both Russia and Ukraine continue to accuse each other of sabotaging peace efforts in the ongoing war, which is now in its third year.

 

On Monday, Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia, with Ukrainian and American delegations set to gather in Riyadh on Tuesday. 

 

A Russian source told Reuters that a draft joint statement had been sent to Moscow and Washington for approval, with hopes of a public release by Tuesday.