Flags at Ukrainian embassy in Azerbaijan at half-mast following deadly Sumy strike

The Ukrainian embassy in Azerbaijan has lowered its state flags and opened an electronic book of mourning to honor the victims of the recent missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which claimed the lives of 34 people and left 117 others injured.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Yuri Gusev, made the announcement on his official Facebook page, confirming that the gesture is a sign of mourning for the lives lost in the attack, Caliber.Az reports.

"Today the state flags at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Azerbaijan and foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine around the world are lowered as a sign of mourning for the victims. 34 people died, another 117 people were injured. We express our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims," Gusev posted.

The ambassador further shared that an electronic book of mourning will be available for the public to express their condolences on April 14 and 15. Those wishing to participate can send their messages via email to emb_az@mfa.gov.ua.

The missile attack on Sumy, which occurred on April 13, was carried out by Russian troops using two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, identified the Russian military's 112th and 448th brigades as responsible for the strike.

At least 34 people have been killed and 117 injured, including 15 children, after a Russian attack on the centre, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Two Iskander-variant ballistic missiles struck at around 10:15 local time (08:15 BST), both hitting the area around Sumy State University and its congress centre.

Images and videos of the aftermath show bloodied bodies scattered in the streets around the impact of the missiles. At least two children were killed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said among the injured was a girl born this year, adding that medics were doing "everything they can" to save as many lives as possible.

By Vafa Guliyeva