Russian cluster munition strike kills three, injures 16 in Sumy

The attack reportedly targeted vehicles in the city center and struck multiple residential and civilian areas. Among the injured is a 17-year-old. Some victims are in serious condition, Sumy Oblast Military Administration (OMA) reported.

Preliminary reports suggest Russia used a Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), a modernized version of the Smerch system, likely armed with cluster munitions. These are particularly lethal against personnel and infrastructure and can reach targets up to 120 kilometers away — or up to 200 kilometers with newer missiles.

Five strikes were recorded across the city. In one neighborhood, a vehicle caught fire after a rocket hit the street. Elsewhere, residential buildings, a hospital, and several private homes and vehicles were damaged. A separate strike reportedly hit a mechanical engineering college.

One missile struck vehicles traveling through the city center, while others landed on the outskirts of Sumy, the regional prosecutor’s office said.

Local media outlet Kordon Media published images from the scene, warning that some photos include graphic images of the injured.

Authorities have set up a temporary recovery center at School No. 10 to assist residents whose property was damaged in the attack. Victims have been asked to bring original documents and proof of ownership.

The attack occurred during a broader Russian drone and missile barrage overnight across Ukraine. Explosions were reported in Odesa, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, prompting air raid alerts in multiple regions.

In Odesa, four people were injured and several fires broke out — the largest engulfing a food storage facility. Garages, cars, and private homes were also damaged.

In Chernihiv, 20 people, including eight children, were injured in the attacks.