Germany's Merz says Sumy attack 'war crime' by Russia

Germany's Merz Declares the Sumy Attack a "War Crime" The war in Ukraine continues to escalate, resulting in tragic outcomes for the civilian population. One of the most horrific recent events occurred on April 13, 2025, when the Ukrainian city of Sumy was struck by Russian missiles, leading to significant civilian casualties. In the aftermath, Friedrich Merz, a leading German political figure and potential future chancellor, declared the attack a "war crime," underscoring rising tensions in Europe and renewed calls for international action. A step-by-step breakdown of what took place and Germany's shifting perspective on the conflict follows. Step 1: Sumy's Attack: What Happened? A devastating Russian missile strike struck the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine on April 13, 2025. One of the two Iskander ballistic missiles that were fired hit a crowded area in the city center. A trolleybus full of civilians, including women and children, was one of the victims. Initial reports from Ukrainian authorities confirmed at least 34 people were killed and over 100 others were injured.

Ukrainian officials later revealed that the missiles used in the attack were armed with cluster munitions — a type of weapon internationally criticized for its wide-area effect and high potential for civilian harm. Although neither Russia nor Ukraine has signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the use of such weapons in densely populated areas is against international humanitarian law. Step 2: Immediate Reactions in Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as a deliberate act of terror. He addressed the entire world, specifically addressing former U.S. "Come and see for yourself what Putin’s war means," said President Donald Trump. Witness the tragedy of our people."

Zelenskyy emphasized that this was not a battlefield engagement, but a brutal attack on innocent civilians in a peaceful city. His appeal was part of a broader diplomatic effort to galvanize support from Western allies and keep global attention focused on the war.

Germany's Friedrich Merz Responds

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely contender for the German Chancellorship in future elections, responded swiftly and decisively. Merz called the Sumy missile strike a "serious war crime" when he spoke to the press in Berlin. He declared: What transpired in Sumy cannot be explained. This is a deliberate attack on civilians using weapons that shouldn't be used in areas with a lot of people. The international community must recognize this for what it is — a war crime.”

One of the most vehement condemnations of a major European political figure in recent weeks came from Merz's statement. He also called for increased military support to Ukraine, going so far as to express readiness to supply Taurus long-range missiles, a topic that has been controversial within Germany due to fears of escalation with Russia.

The International Response, Step 4 Germany was not alone in its reaction. The attack drew swift condemnation from across the European Union and other Western allies:

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Merz’s sentiments, calling the attack "barbaric" and a violation of international law.

The use of cluster bombs in civilian areas, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was "the behavior of a rogue state," according to Starmer. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, urged NATO to reconsider its position regarding arming Ukraine with heavier and longer-range weapons. In the United Nations, a new emergency session was called by member states to discuss the Sumy attack, with several countries proposing renewed sanctions on Russia and the creation of a special tribunal to investigate war crimes.

Step 5: Germany's Change in Strategy? Friedrich Merz’s strong rhetoric signals a possible shift in Germany’s broader stance on the war. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz has maintained a cautious and diplomatic approach, Merz’s call to provide Taurus long-range missiles could indicate a more proactive German foreign policy under a potential future CDU government.

Germany has so far provided significant support to Ukraine, including Leopard tanks, anti-air systems, and economic aid. However, the delivery of long-range missiles like the Taurus — capable of hitting targets up to 500 km away — has remained off the table due to concerns about direct conflict with Russia.

Merz argued that Ukraine should be given the tools to not just defend itself, but to “get ahead” in the conflict, allowing it to push back against Russian offensives and deter future attacks.

Step 6: Russia’s Response

The Kremlin, as expected, denied any wrongdoing. Russian state media reported that the strike targeted “Ukrainian military installations and weapons stockpiles,” and dismissed international claims of civilian casualties as “Western propaganda.”

Russian officials accused Germany and its allies of using the incident to justify further military aid to Ukraine, claiming this would prolong the war and increase the risk of escalation in Europe.

Step 7: The Human Toll and the Search for Justice

Stories of personal tragedies emerged as rescue teams in Sumy worked to recover bodies from the rubble. The trolleybus explosion reportedly killed a 9-year-old girl named Alina on her way to visit her grandmother. The influx of wounded was too much for the city's already overcrowded hospitals. The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it had launched a preliminary investigation into the attack, calling for evidence and eyewitness accounts. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, two human rights groups, have also pledged to document the incident for use in future legal proceedings. Step 8: What Comes Next?

The Sumy attack may mark a turning point in the war, especially in terms of how Western nations respond. While peace efforts have repeatedly stalled, the brutality of this missile strike has once again exposed the human cost of inaction.

Friedrich Merz’s comments are not just a reaction to a single event — they may signal growing impatience among European leaders who believe more decisive steps are needed to end the war or at least shift the balance in Ukraine’s favor.

If Germany does proceed to provide Taurus missiles, it could significantly expand Ukraine’s strike capabilities, potentially putting even Russian territory within reach — a move that would come with immense strategic and political implications.

The missile attack on Sumy is a tragic reminder that the war in Ukraine remains a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. As civilians bear the brunt of the conflict, political leaders like Friedrich Merz are voicing their outrage and demanding action.

Whether this moment leads to a shift in German foreign policy, greater military support for Ukraine, or stronger international legal efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, remains to be seen. But for the time being, the conflict that continues to shake the foundations of modern Europe is centered on the Sumy people and their stories of suffering.