20 die as Russian missiles strike children's hospital, multiple Ukrainian cities

At least 20 people died after Russia launched massive missile attacks against Ukraine, ahead of the NATO summit. In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, at least seven people were killed after a Russian missile struck a children’s hospital on Monday.

The mayor of the city said that the authorities reached the location immediately after the strike and evacuated the occupants who were seeking refuge in the hospital.

Meanwhile, the head of the military administration in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih said that at least 10 people had been killed there and three more were injured in the eastern town of Pokrovsk, BBC reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was visiting Poland when the attack jolted Ukraine.

Zelenskyy condemns the incident

In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader mentioned that over 40 missiles struck different cities across the country. “Russian terrorists have once again launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine. Different cities – Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk. More than 40 missiles of various types. Apartment buildings, infrastructure, and a children’s hospital have been damaged,” he wrote in the post sharing an image of a damaged building which was struck by a Russian missile.

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In a separate post, Zelenskyy shared the video of the devastation from the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv. He also noted that the hospital is touted as one of the most important hospitals in Ukraine and Europe.

Russian terrorists have once again launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine. Different cities – Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk. More than 40 missiles of various types. Apartment buildings, infrastructure, and a children's hospital have been damaged.

All… pic.twitter.com/8mN73BKLuY

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 8, 2024

“Now that the hospital has been damaged by a Russian strike, there are people under the rubble, and the exact number of casualties is still unknown. Right now, everyone is helping to clear the rubble – doctors and ordinary people,” the Ukrainian leader averred.

“Russia cannot claim ignorance of where its missiles are flying and must be held fully accountable for all its crimes. Against people, against children, against humanity in general,” he added. In a sharp criticism of Russia’s conduct, Zelenskyy noted that the world is watching what Russia is doing in Ukraine.

Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. One of the most important CHILDREN’S hospitals not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe. Okhmatdyt has been saving and restoring the health of thousands of children.

Now that the hospital has been damaged by a Russian strike, there are… pic.twitter.com/TmRlUmSBri

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 8, 2024

Cancer and Intensive care wards were hit in the attacks

Shortly after Zelenskyy’s post, Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said that cancer and intensive care wards were hit in the attack. While speaking to Reuters, Vitaliy Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor said that the attack can be seen as the “worst” one conducted on the capital since the start of the war.

Elsewhere, Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the military administration in Kryvy Rih, posted on Telegram that at least 10 people were killed and 31 wounded following the attack in the city. He mentioned that out of the 30 injured 10 people are in critical condition.

With inputs from agencies.