Russia unleashed a devastating bombardment on Kyiv on Monday, killing at least 42 people and injuring nearly 200, including 64 hospitalized in the capital. The Okhmatdyt children's hospital was severely damaged, prompting an international outcry and accusations of war crimes.
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Russia's Deadly Bombardment of Kyiv: Children's Hospital Hit, Dozens Killed
Rescue operations continued into a second day at Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital, where the missile strike left behind a scene of devastation. The attack on the country's largest medical facility for children sent shockwaves through Ukraine and the international community.
The missile hit a two-story wing of the hospital, interrupting open-heart surgeries and forcing young cancer patients to take their treatments outdoors. Okhmatdyt's Director General, Volodymyr Zhovnir, estimated the damage to the hospital at $2.5 million.
Russia's Deadly Bombardment of Kyiv: Children's Hospital Hit, Dozens Killed
At least two people were killed at the hospital, and 50 were injured, including seven children, according to Danielle Bell, the head of a U.N. team tracking human rights violations in Ukraine. She dismissed Russia's claim that a Ukrainian air defense missile was responsible for the damage.
The attack was part of Russia's heaviest bombardment of Kyiv in nearly four months, hitting seven of the city's 10 districts. The strikes came on the eve of a NATO summit in Washington, where alliance countries are expected to pledge new military and economic support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the hospital attack and vowed retaliation. He said on the social platform X: "Russia has become the biggest terrorist in the world."
Russia denied responsibility for the strike, claiming it does not target civilian targets. However, abundant evidence, including Associated Press reporting, contradicts this claim.
In a symbolic move, Kyiv city administrators declared Tuesday an official day of mourning. Entertainment events were prohibited, and flags were lowered in the capital.
Authorities continued to work to restore the hospital's power and water supply. The attack has left a lasting scar on the city and the country, as Ukraine grapples with the horrors of Russia's ongoing invasion.
The Russian onslaught also included overnight drone attacks on six Russian regions, according to Russian military and regional officials. The Defense Ministry said air defense systems "destroyed and intercepted" a total of 38 Ukrainian drones.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Moscow. India's importance as a key trading partner has grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy criticized Modi's visit, calling it a "huge disappointment" and a "devastating blow to peace efforts."
