World
Russian Airstrike Targets Children’s Hospital in Kyiv
The recent Russian airstrike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv has caused outrage and condemnation worldwide. The attack has led to devastating consequences for the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
A Russian strike destroyed a crowded children’s hospital in the center of Kyiv on Monday, part of a large-scale aerial bombardment that killed at least 20 people in cities across Ukraine. The strike resulted in at least 50 people being wounded, with officials warning that the toll could rise.
In Kyiv, at least nine people were reported killed and 23 wounded. The casualties were spread across the city, including the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, where fires erupted after missiles hit residential areas.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine mentioned that people were still trapped under the rubble at the children’s hospital, and the exact casualty count was yet to be determined.
A woman was seen carrying a small child covered in dust and blood near the entrance of the hospital, which is the largest in Ukraine.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
A frantic search and rescue operation was launched at the hospital, with over 100 rescuers on site. Civilians outside the hospital formed a human chain to assist in clearing the rubble.
Images shared by hospital staff revealed blood-stained hallways, collapsed ceilings, and destroyed operating rooms. The health minister mentioned that critical hospital areas such as intensive care units and operating rooms had suffered damage.
The hospital staff’s immediate focus was to transfer patients to other medical facilities in the aftermath of the attack.
International Condemnation and Calls for Accountability
President Zelensky condemned the hospital attack, emphasizing its crucial role in saving and healing thousands of children. He called for Russia to be held accountable for its actions, stating that Russia cannot feign ignorance about the destinations of its missiles.
Zelensky reported that Russia launched over 40 long-range missiles at various Ukrainian locations, resulting in damage in cities like Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk.
The assault occurred just before a NATO summit where plans to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities were expected to be discussed by leaders.