On Monday, a series of Russian missile strikes targeted cities across Ukraine, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 20 fatalities and 50 injuries, as reported by the interior ministry. The attacks, which were described as a rare daytime aerial assault, occurred during rush hour in various Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk.
One of the most devastating strikes hit Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital, the largest children's medical center in Ukraine, known for providing critical care to some of the country's most vulnerable children. Distressing videos from the scene depicted volunteers, alongside law enforcement and security personnel, sifting through the debris while smoke engulfed the hospital. Witnesses observed individuals abandoning their vehicles to assist in the rescue efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to address the situation, expressing uncertainty regarding the exact casualty count at the hospital and acknowledging the presence of individuals trapped under the rubble. Zelensky highlighted the collaborative efforts of medical professionals and local residents in clearing the debris and aiding those affected by the strike.
Furthermore, Zelensky revealed that approximately 40 missiles of various types had been launched against Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention to halt the Russian attacks. He underscored the destructive nature of the strikes, attributing the loss of life to Russian aggression and calling for unified international action to restore peace and security in the region.