Ukraine’s Largest Children’s Hospital Destroyed by Russian Missile, Leaving Dozens Dead and Injured
In a devastating attack on Monday, a Russian missile struck Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital in Kyiv, the capital city, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The strike resulted in at least 38 people killed across the country, including 27 in Kyiv, with more than 100 people injured.
The hospital, which was a vital medical facility for children in need of treatment, was hit as part of a series of bombings by Moscow in one of its deadliest assaults on Kyiv since the beginning of the war. The Ukrainian air force managed to shoot down 30 out of the 38 missiles launched by Russia during the attack, but the damage was already done.
Local officials reported that one doctor and another adult were killed in the hospital strike, with at least 10 more people injured, including seven children. The scene was described as chaotic, with hundreds of people rushing to help clear the debris in a desperate search for survivors.
The attack on the hospital has sparked outrage and condemnation from around the world, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine calling for accountability from Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to address the strikes, as the international community grapples with the escalating violence in the region.
Video footage of the attack, verified by The New York Times, showed a missile striking the hospital with precision, leading experts to believe that it was intentionally targeted. The type of missile used was identified as a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, further implicating Russia in the attack.
The aftermath of the strike left the hospital in ruins, with doctors and patients sharing harrowing accounts of bloodstained hallways and collapsed ceilings. The Ukrainian health minister reported extensive damage to intensive care units, operating rooms, and the oncology department, leaving the hospital inoperable.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the need for international intervention and support has never been more urgent. The attack on the children’s hospital serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of war on innocent civilians, especially the most vulnerable members of society.
