On July 8, 2024, Russia launched a devastating missile attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kramatorsk, resulting in at least 37 civilian deaths and over 140 injuries. The attack, which Ukrainian officials described as one of the deadliest since the invasion began in February 2022, targeted civilian infrastructure, most notably damaging Okhmatdyt, a major children’s hospital in Kyiv.The assault has sparked international outrage and condemnation, particularly from US President Joe Biden, who called it a ‘horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality’. In response, Biden announced plans to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, stating, ‘Washington and its NATO allies will announce new measures this week to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses’. These measures are expected to be detailed at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., where Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm US support for Ukraine.President Zelenskyy, who was in Warsaw at the time of the attack, has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and a stronger Western response to Russian aggression. He stated, ‘Russia cannot claim it does not know where its missiles are falling and must be held fully responsible’.The Russian defense ministry, however, has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, claiming that the damage to the children’s hospital was caused by a falling Ukrainian air defense missile. This claim has been disputed by Ukrainian officials and Western allies.As world leaders prepare for the NATO summit, the attack has added urgency to discussions about Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and the need for continued international support in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. The summit is expected to showcase strong support for Ukraine, with potential new announcements regarding military, political, and financial assistance.
Key points
- Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 37 civilians and injuring over 140.
- A major children’s hospital in Kyiv was damaged in the attack.
- US President Biden condemned the attack and promised new measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
- The NATO summit in Washington is expected to showcase strong support for Ukraine and announce new assistance measures.
Contradictions👾While Ukrainian and Western sources claim Russia deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including a children’s hospital, the Russian defense ministry denies this, stating that the damage was caused by a falling Ukrainian air defense missile.
