At least 20 people have been killed and 66 injured in a massive missile attack launched by Russia against Ukraine. The attack targeted several cities, including Kiev and Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In Kiev alone, 35 injuries and 10 fatalities have been reported, including five at the Okhmatdyt children's hospital. Another 10 deaths and 31 injuries were reported in Kryvyi Rig.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a 'stronger response' from the West following the devastating attacks. He highlighted the damage inflicted on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kiev, where at least one child was injured. Zelensky described the attack as 'terror' and compared it to the atrocities committed in Bucha. He emphasized that Russia must be held accountable for its actions against civilians, particularly children.
In addition to the children's hospital, another medical facility in Kiev was hit, resulting in four deaths and three injuries. The emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue people trapped under the rubble. The attack has left the city in chaos, with sirens blaring and emergency teams rushing to the impact sites. Columns of smoke were visible in several districts, and anti-aircraft alerts continue to sound.
The Russian offensive comes on the eve of a NATO summit in Washington, where Ukraine hopes to secure new guarantees for its future accession to the alliance. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed optimism that the summit would lead to a significant strengthening of Kiev's air defense capabilities and a step closer to NATO membership.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its forces targeted defense industry sites and aviation bases in Ukraine, asserting that 'the objectives have been achieved.' However, the attacks predominantly affected civilian areas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The United Nations humanitarian office condemned the attacks, emphasizing that hospitals and civilians must be protected under international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have reportedly recaptured areas near Kharkiv in the northeast of the country. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian military administration also reported Russian attacks and casualties in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Kherson. The situation remains dire, with rocket attacks continuing in southeastern Ukrainian cities such as Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih.
The recent escalation underscores the ongoing brutality of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention. As the world watches, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their call for justice and accountability remain unwavering.
