Russian dictator putin stated that russian forces struck the congress center in Sumy because Ukrainian soldiers were being awarded there. This was reported by the BBC.
“Well, for example, everyone is well aware of the strike by our armed forces on the congress center, I believe, of Sumy University. Is it a civilian object or not? Civilian. But an award ceremony was taking place there for those who committed crimes in the Kursk oblast and for units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and nationalists. And these are the people we consider criminals who must receive their deserved retribution”, - said putin.
The report recalls that russian forces carried out two strikes on Sumy on Sunday, April 13. As a result, more than 30 people were killed, including two children, and over 100 were injured. The russian Ministry of Defense claimed the target was a gathering place of AFU command staff. Media reported that an award ceremony for Ukrainian soldiers was taking place in Sumy during the strikes, but the participants of the ceremony were unharmed.