The Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC) has strongly condemned Russia’s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, describing it as a “brutal and disgraceful attack” that desecrated the sacred observance of Palm Sunday.

In a statement shared, OPAC lamented that what should have been a day of peace and spiritual reflection at the start of Holy Week turned into a scene of violence and mourning. The group expressed deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives—many of them Orthodox Christians—who had gathered to worship.

“This was not only an act of war; it was an act of desecration,” OPAC said, pointing out the irony that Russia had attacked people of shared faith on a holy day commemorating Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.

Describing the attack—which killed more than 30 people and injured over 100—as “a sin against both God and humanity,” OPAC accused the Russian regime of moral collapse. “This is not simply a military operation; it is fratricide,” the group declared, criticizing President Vladimir Putin for invoking Christian values while perpetrating violence against innocent civilians.

OPAC called on world leaders and faith communities to raise their voices against the ongoing war, stressing that “thoughts and prayers” must be matched with decisive action. Referring to early claims that the war could be ended in a day, the group said, “That promise has long expired. The world cannot afford another day of delay while the innocent continue to suffer.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the strike, calling it “deeply alarming and shocking,” especially on such a significant day for Christians. His spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized that repeated attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities violate international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.

Guterres reiterated the UN’s stance, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to pursue peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also expressed strong condemnation of the attack, joining the international chorus of outrage.