Russia has targeted a significant Ukrainian hospital in the city of Dnipro, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a child. The Mechnikov Hospital, described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as one of the country's most crucial medical facilities, was hit in the south-central region of Dnipro. Prior to the conflict, the hospital provided care for up to 40,000 patients annually.
The strike occurred following calls from global leaders at the BRICs summit in Kazan, Russia, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine. Zelensky condemned the attack, emphasizing that actions speak louder than words in halting aggression.
Reports indicate that 21 individuals sustained injuries in the assault on Dnipro, with one 17-year-old boy in critical condition. The aftermath of the strike left extensive damage across the city, including the destruction of an apartment building and harm to numerous others.
Not limited to Dnipro, Kyiv also faced a drone attack, resulting in casualties. A young girl lost her life in the Solomianskyi district, while a woman in her 50s perished in the Kyiv region. The ongoing assaults have prompted evacuations and heightened tensions in the capital.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia employed a variety of weapons, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, in the attacks. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept a significant number of Russian UAVs, showcasing the country's efforts to protect its airspace.
The escalation of violence underscores the urgent need for international intervention to bring an end to the conflict and prevent further loss of life in Ukraine.