A devastating Russian attack against Ukraine on Palm Sunday, coming days after Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands with President Trump’s top negotiator, is raising doubt about the U.S.'s strategy in ceasefire talks with Moscow.

Ukraine, its allies and supporters say the Sumy strike, which killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 119, is further evidence that Russia is not committed to any type of ceasefire and needs to be backed into a corner under sanctions.

“Only real pressure on Russia can stop this,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted Monday on the social platform X.

“Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it — with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X.

“Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners.”

The Trump administration has sent conflicting messages on the Ukraine-Russia war, with Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, blasting Russia in a post on X for a targeted attack on civilians. That message appeared to contradict Trump’s earlier assertions that the Russian strike was a “mistake”.

“Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency,” Kellogg wrote. “There are scores of civilian[s] dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war.”

Russia claimed the strike on Sumy targeted a

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