The devastating Russian missile attack on Ukrainian cities on July 8, 2024, has resulted in at least 41 civilian deaths, including four children, and over 170 injuries. The Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv was among the primary targets, suffering severe damage from what Ukrainian officials claim was a deliberate strike using a Kh-101 cruise missile.The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has presented evidence supporting this claim, including fragments of the missile’s engine and wing mechanism found at the hospital site. The attack on the hospital alone killed two staff members and injured 32 people, including seven children.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared a day of mourning and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the attacks. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian aggression.In response, Ukraine launched retaliatory drone attacks on six Russian regions overnight, reportedly intercepted by Russian air defenses. The escalation has raised tensions ahead of a NATO summit where Ukraine’s allies are expected to discuss further support measures.The Kremlin continues to deny targeting civilian infrastructure, claiming that the damage to the hospital was caused by falling Ukrainian air defense missiles. However, this assertion has been widely rejected by international observers and military analysts.The international community, including US President Joe Biden, has strongly condemned the attacks. Biden called it a ‘horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality’ and announced new measures to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General has stated that evidence of the attack will be shared with the International Criminal Court, potentially leading to war crime charges.
Key points
- Russian missile strike on Ukrainian cities killed at least 41 civilians, including four children.
- Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv was hit by a Kh-101 cruise missile, according to Ukrainian evidence.
- Ukraine launched retaliatory drone attacks on Russian regions.
- International community condemns the attacks, with calls for increased support for Ukraine’s air defenses.
Contradictions👾Russia denies targeting civilian infrastructure and claims Ukrainian air defense missiles caused the hospital damage, while Ukraine and international observers reject this assertion.
