In a devastating attack on Monday, Russian missiles struck multiple cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, resulting in at least 31 deaths and over 150 injuries. The assault, which targeted both civilian and military sites, caused extensive damage to buildings, including Ukraine's largest children's hospital.
The Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv was hit during the bombardment, leading to the interruption of surgeries and treatments for young cancer patients. Debris fell into the chests of heart surgery patients, and cancer patients had to be moved outdoors for their treatments. The attack on the hospital resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including staff members.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling on the international community to witness the actions of Russia. Russia denied targeting the hospital, claiming their strikes hit military objectives. The assault comes just before a NATO summit in Washington, where Western leaders are expected to discuss support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The United States, along with other countries, expressed outrage at the missile strikes, with President Joe Biden calling it a "horrific reminder of Russia's brutality." The United Nations also condemned the attacks, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing them as "particularly shocking."
The International Criminal Court has opened war crime proceedings against Russia for the attack on the hospital, citing violations of international law. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen numerous civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure, with over 1,600 medical facilities impacted since the start of the war.
As the situation continues to escalate, the international community is being called upon to take action to end the violence and support the people of Ukraine. The devastating consequences of the missile strikes highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilian lives.