On July 8, 2024, Russia launched its heaviest bombardment of Ukraine in months, striking multiple cities and causing widespread destruction. The attack resulted in at least 36 deaths and over 150 injuries, with the toll still rising. The assault targeted civilian infrastructure, most notably the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, one of the largest pediatric facilities in Europe.The strike on the children’s hospital caused severe damage, destroying parts of the toxicology department, intensive care unit, operating theaters, and oncology wards. Emergency services are still searching for survivors trapped under the rubble, including children. The attack on the hospital has been widely condemned, with the UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine calling it ‘unconscionable’.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly denounced the attack, stating, ‘Russia cannot claim it doesn’t know where its missiles are going’ and must ‘account for all its crimes against people, against children, against humanity in general’. He called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and urged the international community not to remain silent.The Russian Defense Ministry denied targeting civilian infrastructure, claiming the strikes were aimed at military targets. However, Ukraine’s Security Service reported finding wreckage from a Russian cruise missile at the hospital site and has opened proceedings on war crime charges.This devastating attack comes on the eve of a three-day NATO summit in Washington, where leaders will discuss how to reassure Kyiv of their continued support and offer hope for Ukraine’s future. The timing of the assault has raised questions about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defenses, which have been damaged in previous attacks.As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, the international community faces renewed pressure to respond decisively to this escalation in the conflict.
Key points
- Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least 36 people and injuring over 150.
- The Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv was severely damaged, with patients trapped under rubble.
- President Zelenskyy called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and stronger international response.
- The attack occurred just before a NATO summit in Washington to discuss support for Ukraine.
Contradictions👾There are varying reports on the death toll, ranging from 31 to 36.
👾Russia denies targeting civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine claims to have evidence of Russian missile debris at the hospital site.
