Russian Missiles Strike Children’s Hospital in UkraineRussian Missiles Strike Children’s Hospital in Ukraine By Mirek Zastavnyi On July 8, Russian missiles mercilessly targeted Ohmatdyt, a renowned children’s hospital in Kyiv, as well as other areas in the capital and eastern Ukraine. The relentless bombardment claimed the lives of dozens and injured over 170, according to officials. Ohmatdyt, a symbol of hope for young patients, serves as Ukraine’s largest pediatric hospital, treating thousands of children annually. The attack sent shockwaves through the nation, with victims including innocent children and dedicated medical workers. The Kinzhal hypersonic missiles used in the assault are among Russia’s most formidable weapons, capable of reaching speeds ten times that of sound. The explosions shook buildings, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives. As of now, 38 people have been confirmed dead, while 190 remain injured and receive treatment. Despite the harrowing ordeal, rescue operations continued throughout the night, involving hundreds of brave responders. The injured were transferred to other medical facilities, leaving Ohmatdyt temporarily closed. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, another medical facility in Kyiv’s Dniprovsky district was also targeted, resulting in four fatalities. The NATO summit taking place on Tuesday grew in significance following the tragic attacks. While Ukraine’s membership bid may not be granted, U.S. officials have indicated plans to supply Ukraine with additional air defense systems to bolster their ability to withstand Russian attacks. Responding to the atrocities, President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions and demanded accountability. He appealed for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting and held Vladimir Putin personally responsible for the crimes committed. “Russia must fully answer for its crimes against humanity,” Zelensky stated. “We urge our partners to respond decisively and provide us with air defense systems to intercept the missile strikes.” The images of the shattered children’s hospital serve as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the innocent lives it claims. The world stands in solidarity with Ukraine as it endures these unimaginable tragedies, calling for an end to the senseless violence and a return to peace.
By Mirek Zastavnyi
On Monday, July 8, Russian missiles rained down on Ohmatdyt, a well-known children’s hospital in Kievand throughout the capital, as well as in central and eastern Ukrainekilling dozens of people and injuring more than 170, officials said. Ohmatdyt, short for “Protection of Maternity and Childhood,” is Ukraine’s largest multidisciplinary pediatric diagnostic and treatment center and one of the largest in Europe. With 620 beds, it treats up to 20,000 children a year. Another 20,000 receive emergency care.
The daytime attack involved the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, one of the most advanced Russian weapons. The Kinzhal flies at 10 times the speed of sound, making it difficult to intercept. The explosions shook city buildings, causing death and destruction. Victims included children and medical workers. So far, 38 people have been reported dead. 190 people were injured and are receiving treatment. There are 64 people in hospital in Kiev, 28 in Kryvyi Rih and 6 in Dnipro. All patients from Okhmatdyt have been transferred to other medical facilities. In some areas where the missiles struck, rescue operations continued throughout the night, involving hundreds of rescuers.
Rescue workers work at the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital which was damaged in a Russian missile attack, during the Russian attack on Ukraine, in Kiev, Ukraine, July 8, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, a medical facility was also damaged in Kiev’s Dniprovsky district, killing four people.
Monday’s attacks added urgency to Tuesday’s NATO summit, which also marks the 75th anniversary of the security alliance. NATO leaders are expected to reject Ukraine’s membership bid, but U.S. officials say they will offer more air defense systems to help Ukraine fend off near-daily Russian attacks.
“Russia cannot but know where its missiles are flying and must fully answer for all its crimes: against people, against children, against humanity in general,” President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the shelling.
Zelenskyy called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and said Russian President Vladimir Putin must be held accountable. “We would like to see more determination from our partners and hear determined responses to these attacks,” Zelenskyy said in Warsaw, where he stopped on his way to the NATO summit. “I see an opportunity for our partners to use their air defense systems to hit the missiles that are carrying out the attacks.”
