In a horrific attack on Monday, at least 35 people were killed in Ukraine as Russia unleashed a barrage of over 40 missiles in a “massive” attack. The attack, which targeted at least five cities including the capital Kyiv, also struck a children’s hospital and left seven children injured.
Among the cities targeted were Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk, in addition to Kyiv. The Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, one of the most well-respected children’s hospitals in the country, was damaged in the attack, along with residential areas and other infrastructure. Sadly, at least two people were killed in the attack on the hospital, including a female physician.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to condemn the attack, stating that “the entire world must use all its determination to finally put an end to the Russian strikes.” He also called for unity in bringing real peace and security to the region. Zelenskyy also shared that doctors, hospital staff, and first responders were digging through the debris in an effort to save anyone who may still be trapped.
The attack comes just one day before U.S. President Joe Biden begins a three-day NATO summit in Washington, where the group is expected to discuss support for Ukraine. The alliance is expected to make “significant” announcements about increased military and financial support for Ukraine, according to a senior White House official.
At the top of a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Monday morning at the Pentagon, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack, stating that “only today we have seen horrendous missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, killing innocent civilians, including children.” He also called the attacks “hideous” and urged for an end to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Russian missiles not only targeted civilian areas but also hit the hometown of President Zelenskyy, Kryvyi Rih, where at least 10 people were killed and several others were injured. The city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine also suffered three deaths due to the Russian airstrikes.
The latest attack by Russia is a harsh reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014. It also highlights the need for global attention and support in bringing an end to the violence and securing peace in the region.
