Russian Missiles Strike Children's Hospital In Kyiv

Rescuers, volunteers and medical workers clean up the rubble and search victims after Russian missile hit the country's main children hospital Okhmadit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, July 8, 2024. A major

Rescuers are tirelessly searching through the rubble of a children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine, after a devastating attack by Russian missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the death toll from the strikes has risen to 42, with many more wounded.

The Okhmatdyt children's hospital, the largest medical facility for children in Ukraine, was hit during the barrage, causing significant damage. The hospital was caring for approximately 670 patients at the time of the attack, with 64 people hospitalized in Kyiv, 28 in Kryvyi Rih, and six in Dnipro.

The strike on the hospital interrupted critical medical procedures, including open-heart surgeries and cancer treatments for young patients. Despite the destruction, authorities managed to evacuate patients to a bunker when air raid sirens sounded, potentially preventing a higher casualty count.

Death toll rises to 42, with many more wounded.

Rescuers search rubble of children's hospital after Russian missile attack.

Okhmatdyt hospital, largest for children in Ukraine, hit during barrage.

Critical medical procedures interrupted, patients evacuated to bunker.

The international community has condemned the attack on the hospital, with the United Nations reporting at least two deaths and 50 injuries, including seven children. The hospital's Director General estimated the damage at $2.5 million, with a vital dialysis wing completely destroyed.

While Russia has denied responsibility for the hospital strike, evidence suggests otherwise. The Kremlin claimed that a Ukrainian air defense missile caused the damage, but experts on the ground believe the hospital was directly hit by a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.

In addition to the hospital attack, the Russian onslaught on Kyiv resulted in further casualties, with the bodies of three more people found under the rubble of a residential building. The total death toll in that building now stands at 10.

The timing of the attack, on the eve of a NATO summit in Washington, underscores the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As world leaders convene to discuss support for Ukraine, the situation on the ground remains dire.

Despite the devastation, efforts are underway to restore power and water supply to the hospital and affected areas. Kyiv has declared an official day of mourning, with flags lowered and entertainment events canceled.

As the conflict escalates, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.