On June 16, around 2:00 PM, Russian military forces launched an attack on the center of Sumy using drones. According to preliminary information, two Lancet-type drones caused the damage, as reported by acting mayor Artem Kobzar. The explosions occurred less than 10 minutes apart, and journalists were present at the scene during the second strike.
The first explosion happened at 2:00 PM, when police, local authorities, and journalists had already arrived at the site. It is important to note that no air raid alert was announced at the time of the attack.
“Most likely, it was a Lancet. For safety, I suggest dispersing because there were several strikes almost in the same spot.”
– Artem Kobzar
Both hits occurred at Independence Square. The first strike landed on the sidewalk near the recently installed Alley of Glory, where portraits of Ukrainian defenders are displayed. The second hit struck an administrative building.
Independence Square and the surrounding streets are among the busiest places in Sumy. At the time of the attack, there were no people present, as they arrived later. Nearby are cafes, shops, and residential buildings.
“We were working and didn’t pay attention to it. There was music playing. Our building was not damaged, no, everything is intact.”
– Marina, gallery employee
“At that moment, we were laying out our newspaper “Bilopillya,” preparing materials when we heard the explosion. I wouldn’t say we were very scared; we’ve been hearing these explosions in Bilopillya for three years now, so we’ve adapted, but it was still a bit frightening and unpleasant. We understood it wasn’t the kind of explosion to hide from, so we waited it out, then went to photograph what had happened, took pictures, wrote down what and where – then we heard the second explosion.”
– Nataliya Kalinichenko, newspaper editor
Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the attack, Artem Kobzar reported. However, the administrative building and civilian infrastructure were damaged.