The Swedish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to Stockholm, Sergei Belyaev, to lodge an official protest in connection with the missile strikes on the Ukrainian cities of Sumy and Kryvyi Rih. This was reported by the press service of the Swedish Foreign Ministry on April 15, 2025. Sweden, like other Western countries, strongly condemned Russia's actions, calling them a violation of international humanitarian law.

During the meeting with the ambassador, the Swedish side stressed the inadmissibility of attacks on civilian infrastructure and called on Moscow to immediately stop the escalation. The attack on Sumy, where, according to Kyiv, ballistic missiles with cluster munitions were used, was a particularly painful episode for Kyiv. Swedish diplomats said that such actions undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement and require a tough response from the international community.

Sweden, a NATO member and an active supporter of Ukraine, has consistently advocated for stronger sanctions against Russia and increased military aid to Kyiv. The ambassador’s summons was part of that policy, demonstrating Stockholm’s determination to respond to Moscow’s actions. At the same time, Russia denies allegations of deliberately striking civilian targets, saying it was targeting military ones. The incident highlights the ongoing rift between the West and Russia, where diplomatic gestures are becoming an important tool for pressure.