History of Sumy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2025

Sumy is a city located in northeastern Ukraine, acting as the administrative center of Sumy Oblast. Situated along the Psel River, it has a population of 256,474 residents, making it Ukraine's 23rd-largest city.

1901: Establishment of Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church

The Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church was established in Sumy in 1901.

1905: Establishment of the Sumy Republic

During the Revolution of 1905, Sumy became known throughout Russia for the establishment of the Sumy Republic by a peasant union.

1905: Printing House and Publishing House

In 1905, the building of the district government was given to the printing house and publishing house of the first Sumy newspapers.

1911: Consecration of Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church

In 1911, the Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church in Sumy was consecrated.

1920: Opening of the Museum of Local Lore

The Museum of Local Lore was opened in Sumy in 1920.

1920: Opening of the Sumy Regional Art Museum

The Sumy Regional Art Museum was opened in 1920, starting with nationalized private collections of the town and district.

1939: Sumy Population in 1939

In 1939, the population of Sumy reached 63.9 thousand people.

October 1941: German Occupation of Sumy

On October 10, 1941, Sumy was occupied by German forces during World War II, sustaining heavy damage.

February 1942: Mass Murder of Jews in Sumy

In February 1942, approximately 1,000 Jews were murdered in Sumy during two large-scale operations by German forces.

September 1943: Liberation of Sumy

On September 2, 1943, Sumy was liberated after being occupied by German forces since October 1941.

1944: Post-War Rebuilding

After enduring heavy damage during the German occupation of Ukraine throughout World War II (1941-1944), the destroyed parts of Sumy were rebuilt following the end of the war in 1944.

1959: Sumy Population in 1959

In 1959, the population of Sumy was 98,015 people.

1970: Sumy Population in 1970

In 1970, the population of Sumy reached 159 thousand people.

1975: Sumy Population in 1975

In 1975, the population of Sumy reached 194 thousand people.

1989: Demolition of Spartak Stadium

In 1989, the Yuvileiny Stadium, formerly known as Spartak, was demolished to be rebuilt anew.

1989: Sumy Population in 1989

In 1989, the population of Sumy was 291,264 people.

1991: Sumy Population in 1991

In 1991, the population of Sumy was 303.3 thousand people.

May 1994: Restoration of Roman Catholic Parish

In May 1994, after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church was restored as a Roman Catholic parish.

1998: Resumption of Stadium Construction

In 1998, construction of the Yuvileiny Stadium resumed.

1998: Reconsecration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church

In the spring of 1998, the Blessed Virgin Mary Annunciation Church was reconsecrated.

2001: Ukrainian Census of 2001 Population

According to the Ukrainian Census of 2001, the population of Sumy was 292,139 people.

2001: Completion of Stadium Construction

In 2001, the construction of the Yuvileiny Stadium was completed.

2001: Population Distribution by Native Language

In 2001, the distribution of the population by native language was recorded.

2006: Foundation of Museum of Banking History

In 2006, the Museum of Banking History in the Sumy oblast and the History of Ukrainian Money was founded to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian Academy of Banking.

2006: End of Urban District Subdivision

In 2006, the subdivision of Sumy into urban districts (Zarichnyi and Kovpakovskyi) ceased to be in effect.

January 1, 2013: Sumy Population on January 1, 2013

On January 1, 2013, the population of Sumy had decreased to 269,177 people.

January 1, 2016: Sumy Population on January 1, 2016

On January 1, 2016, the population of Sumy was 267,633 people.

February 2022: Attack on Sumy during the Russian Invasion

On February 24, 2022, the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sumy was attacked by Russian forces.

April 2022: Withdrawal of Russian Troops from Sumy Oblast

In April 2022, specifically on April 4th and 8th, Russian troops withdrew from Sumy Oblast, according to Governor Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, leaving behind explosives and ammunition.