Russia Strikes Ukraine Humanitarian Hub in Sumy, Killing 31 as Peace Talks Set to Resume

A Russian missile strike on a humanitarian hub in Sumy, Ukraine, on Sunday killed at least 31 people and left dozens missing, in what is feared to be one of the deadliest single attacks of the war. The strike hit a building used to distribute aid to civilians, underscoring the brutal toll on noncombatants as the conflict grinds into its third year. Hours after the attack, the United States announced that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would resume after a nine-month pause, raising cautious hopes for a diplomatic off-ramp. The juxtaposition of the massacre and the renewed negotiations highlights the stark contrast between the battlefield reality and the diplomatic track. For residents of Sumy, a city near the Russian border that has endured repeated shelling, the attack was a grim reminder of their vulnerability. International observers condemned the strike, with humanitarian groups calling for greater protection of aid workers and civilians. As negotiators prepare to return to the table, the question remains whether such violence will derail efforts to end the war or galvanize them. The coming weeks will test whether diplomacy can outpace destruction.