Ukraine's largest children's hospital in Kyiv likely suffered a direct hit from a Russian missile on Monday, according to a United Nations assessment. Despite Russia's denial of targeting the hospital and blaming a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile, evidence points to Moscow's forces as responsible for the deadly strike.
The attack severely damaged the intensive care, surgical, and oncology wards at Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital, a crucial facility for treating seriously ill children from across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have relocated 600 children to other hospitals following the incident.
Tragically, two adults lost their lives, and 16 others, including seven children, sustained injuries in the strike. The assault was part of a broader aerial attack by Russia on various Ukrainian cities during morning rush hour, resulting in a total of at least 43 casualties.
The UN Secretary-General and human rights chief have strongly condemned the strikes, calling for thorough investigations into the attacks. In response, NATO leaders agreed to bolster Kyiv's air defenses by providing additional Patriot batteries and systems.
US President Joe Biden pledged to supply new air defense systems to Ukraine, emphasizing the country's urgent need for support in defending against Russia's invasion.
Images and videos from the aftermath of the hospital strike depict children receiving cancer treatment outside the damaged facility and injured individuals, including a toddler with visible bloodstains.
Experts on-site confirmed the extensive destruction, indicating the forceful impact of the explosion. The UN's monitoring mission identified a KH-101 cruise missile launched by Russia as the likely weapon used in the attack.
Despite Russia's denial of targeting the hospital, evidence, including missile fragments found at the scene, points to a Russian long-range cruise missile as the source of the devastation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberate attacks, while the US Ambassador to the UN held Russia accountable for the hospital strike, emphasizing Putin's lack of interest in peace.
The Ukrainian State Security Service vowed to respond to what they deemed Russian war crimes, promising legal and moral retribution for the tragic incident.
