Ukraine's largest children's hospital was hit by Russian missile

A children's hospital in Kyiv has been struck as part of a series of missile attacks launched by Russia on cities throughout Ukraine.

Tragedy struck as the blast caused significant damage to the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital, Ukraine's largest pediatrics facility, resulting in the loss of two lives.

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, the strikes resulted in the tragic loss of 41 lives and left 140 individuals injured.

In a statement, Russia denied any involvement in the targeting of the hospital, claiming that fragments of a Ukrainian air defense missile had struck it. On the other hand, Ukraine reported discovering remnants of a Russian cruise missile.

According to Lesia Lysytsia, a doctor at the hospital, the missile's impact was reminiscent of a scene from a movie characterized by a blinding light followed by a loud sound.

There was significant damage to a section of the hospital, with another area engulfed in flames. According to her assessment, the hospital has suffered considerable damage, estimated to be around 60-70%.

According to Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, two individuals, including a doctor, have tragically lost their lives at the hospital. According to his statement, rescuers expressed concerns about the possibility of additional individuals being trapped beneath the debris.

Ohmatdyt is a renowned hospital that specializes in cancer treatment and organ transplants.

"Currently, efforts are underway to transfer patients to the nearest hospital," stated Dr. Lysytsia. However, because many patients are intubated and reliant on ventilators, they are unable to interact with other patients or venture outdoors," Dr. Lysytsia explained.

According to hospital officials, approximately 20 children are currently receiving treatment in the ward that was struck.

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina showed respect by wearing a black ribbon during her round of 16 match at Wimbledon on Monday afternoon following the strike.

Mayor Klitschko made a strong accusation, stating that Russia is allegedly attempting to cause harm to the population in Ukraine.

"Currently, the global community is witnessing the devastating impact of Russian missiles and Kamikaze drones on innocent Ukrainian civilians within our once tranquil city."

According to the mayor, a maternity hospital in Kyiv's Dniprovsky district was also partially destroyed by falling debris, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives.

In a recent social media post, Mr. Zelensky reported that numerous missiles of various types have struck buildings and infrastructure in several cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk.

In a passionate plea, he emphasized the urgent need for a more robust Western reaction to what he described as Russia's repeated attacks on their people, their territory, and their children.

According to Sergiy Lysak, the head of the Dnipro region, a tragic incident occurred in Dnipro city, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving six others injured. He stated that both a high-rise building and a business were impacted.

In Pokrovsk, located in the eastern Donetsk region, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the loss of three lives. It is worth noting that Russian forces have gained control over several villages in this area in the past few weeks.

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Moscow for a two-day state visit, the Russian bombardment coincides with his presence and raises questions about the timing. Modi is scheduled to talk with President Vladimir Putin, who adds significance to the situation.

The Security Service of Ukraine has released images of alleged fragments from a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has called on its allies to swiftly bolster its air defenses in response to the recent attacks.

"It is evident that our defense capabilities remain inadequate... "We require additional air defense systems," he stated.

Ukraine's allies have strongly criticized the assault on the Ohmatdyt hospital, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accusing Russia of deliberately attacking innocent Ukrainian civilians.

David Lammy, the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary, emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for Putin's illegal war accountable.

The strikes were strongly condemned by UN chief António Guterres, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. He expressed his shock at the attack on the children's hospital and another medical facility.

According to international humanitarian law, targeting civilians and objects is strictly forbidden. The speaker emphasized the urgency of putting an immediate stop to these attacks, stating that they are entirely unacceptable.

According to the UN's human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, there has been a concerning increase in civilian casualties in recent months. This comes as Russia has once again intensified its air campaign. According to a recent report, May marked the highest number of civilian deaths in nearly a year.