In a devastating escalation of the conflict, a Russian hypersonic missile struck Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, on Monday morning. The attack has left the nation in shock and outrage, as the hospital is known for treating thousands of children, including those with cancer, every year.
Oleksandra, a resident of Kyiv living near the hospital, described the horrifying scene as her apartment building was shaken by earth-shattering blasts. The windows of her apartment were shattered, sending shards of glass flying around. Yet, it was the damage to the hospital that left her most distraught.
“We can always have the windows replaced,” Oleksandra told Al Jazeera, still visibly shaken hours after the incident. “They saved my son there two years ago, and now I see this,” she added, pointing towards the hospital surrounded by dust and debris. Volunteers were seen handing out bottled water, food, and fruit to the children from pick-up trucks and buses.
The missile strike specifically targeted a two-story toxicology department where children undergo dialysis. The impact caused the building’s roof to collapse, resulting in the deaths of at least two hospital workers and injuries to 16 people, including seven children. Rescuers continued to search for children trapped under the debris hours after the strike.
The attack on Okhmatdyt was part of a broader Russian offensive involving three dozen missiles launched on several Ukrainian cities. At the time of writing, at least 36 people were reported killed, with 125 wounded, but the toll is expected to rise. The Russian Ministry of Defence has denied responsibility, claiming that the hospital was hit by a Ukrainian air defense missile. However, military analysts argue that the strike was deliberate, intended to exert moral and psychological pressure on the Ukrainian population.
Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, a former deputy head of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated that the attack on Okhmatdyt was aimed at striking a nerve and pressuring Ukrainian leaders to acquiesce to Russian demands. Many Ukrainians, accustomed to years of bombardment, believe the assault was no accident. Serhiy, a construction engineer, witnessed the strikes and noted the precise intervals between them, indicative of deliberate targeting rather than accidental midair collisions.
The Okhmatdyt hospital attack epitomizes Russia’s ruthless tactics, targeting civilian sites including schools, hospitals, and shelters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an act of terror and called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting. United States President Joe Biden also condemned the bombing, describing it as “a horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality.”
As Ukraine faces continued bombardment, the resilience and defiance of its people are evident. Kyiv remains under advanced Western air defense systems, but Russian tactics continue to evolve, making missiles harder to detect and intercept. The international community is increasingly calling for accountability and justice for the attacks on innocent civilians.
Impact and Reactions:
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Global Outrage: The international community, including the United States and various humanitarian organizations, has condemned the attack on the children’s hospital, highlighting the need for accountability and stricter measures against Russia.
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Ukrainian Defiance: Despite the ongoing assaults, Ukrainian citizens and officials continue to show resilience and a commitment to defending their sovereignty.
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Calls for Action: The incident has intensified calls for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting and reinforced the urgency for international intervention to protect civilians in Ukraine.
The missile strike on Okhmatdyt hospital stands as a stark reminder of the war’s brutality and the pressing need for a resolution to the conflict that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians.