Victims of the Russian attack in Sumy commemorated in Parliament. Igor Grosu: “‘Ruskii mir’ means not peace, but death"
The Parliament session began today with a tribute to the victims of the Russian attack five days ago on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which left over 30 dead, including children. Video images of the devastated city were shown in the plenary session, and the deputies observed a minute of silence. Speaker Igor Grosu condemned the opposition's lack of reaction and reiterated the unconditional support of the Republic of Moldova for Ukraine. "Ruskii mir" does not mean peace or protection; it means tears and ruins, said the Parliament Speaker.
The other day, on Palm Sunday, we witnessed another tragedy caused by the Kremlin’s concept of "ruskii mir." Innocent lives were lost, and entire families are now in mourning. Today is Holy Thursday, and I have been waiting to hear from you, dear opposition colleagues, about the suffering we are witnessing. I hoped you would at least condemn these crimes this week, but it seems you either do not see them or are not permitted to acknowledge them by the Kremlin.
Some politicians claim to be pro-European but still fail to recognize these crimes. One thing must be made clear: "ruskii mir" does not mean peace or protection; it represents destruction, death, and suffering. We see the aftermath of this ideology—cities in ruins, children left without parents, and a landscape filled with tears and fear.
The Parliament Speaker, Igor Grosu, conveyed his condolences to the Ukrainian people and the bereaved families, reiterating that the Republic of Moldova stands in solidarity with Ukraine.
It is important to recall that a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy occurred on the morning of April 13, Palm Sunday. This tragic attack resulted in the deaths of at least 34 civilians, including two children, and wounded 117 others, 15 of whom are minors. The event in Sumy is considered the most severe attack on a Ukrainian city this year.
The bombing coincided with negotiations for a possible ceasefire and was condemned by international leaders, including Moldova's President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, all of whom expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people. They have also called for accountability for the Kremlin regime regarding the crimes committed.
Although Moscow continuously denies targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities and international organisations categorise these attacks as "war crimes." Hospitals, schools, kindergartens, power plants, and water supply networks are among the systematic targets of such assaults.
According to official data from the General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine, since the onset of the war triggered by Russia in February 2022, at least 618 children have been killed, and more than 1,880 others have been injured.
