Lithuania Summons Russian Diplomat Following Deadly Missile Strike on Sumy

April 14, 2025 — Lithuania's Foreign Ministry took decisive diplomatic action in response to a recent missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which resulted in the deaths of at least 34 individuals and injured 117 others. On April 13, the ministry summoned a representative from the Russian Embassy in Vilnius to address the incident attributed to Russian aggression.

In a public statement shared on social media platform X, the ministry declared, "After today's terror attack by Russia against Sumy, we have summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Vilnius." The statement emphasized that those responsible for the attack will face justice, adding, "Responsibility is also shared by everyone working for the Kremlin's criminal regime, including Russian diplomats."

The missile strike occurred on Palm Sunday, a significant day for Christians in Ukraine, marking one of the most lethal attacks on Sumy since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from European leaders and international communities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to those who demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine but criticized mere expressions of condemnation as insufficient. He highlighted that April 11 marked one month since Russia rejected a U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. "They are not afraid," Zelensky asserted, indicating Russia's continued military operations amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a truce.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

The missile strike on Sumy underscores the ongoing tensions and hostilities in the region, where diplomatic negotiations for a ceasefire have been complicated by Russia's refusal to agree to a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce. Despite some partial agreements aimed at limiting strikes on vital infrastructure and the Black Sea region, hostilities continue unabated.

In a recent warning, President Zelensky cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-term goal may involve extending control over parts of NATO member states, which he believes could escalate the conflict into a larger confrontation.

This recent incident and the growing humanitarian toll have fueled international concern and calls for a reassessment of diplomatic strategies aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

As the situation develops, Lithuania's summoning of the Russian diplomat reflects a heightened response from Eastern European nations towards Russian military actions in Ukraine, highlighting the urgency for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.