Rosalind Evans
In a devastating turn of events, a Russian missile strike partially destroyed a children’s hospital in Kyiv on Monday, causing panic and forcing patients and their families to flee for their lives. The attack was part of a more significant daytime aerial assault on cities across Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Chaos and Destruction at Okhmatdyt Hospital
The attack on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Hospital, Ukraine’s largest children’s medical center, was particularly harrowing. “You see the light, then the sound, then everything falls,” recounted ophthalmologist Lesya Lysytsia. The facility, which conducts around 7,000 surgeries annually, including treatments for cancer and hematological diseases, suffered significant damage. Two floors were demolished, encompassing an area of 400 square meters.
Immediate Response and Evacuations
Immediately, hospital staff and volunteers scrambled to evacuate children to safety. Senior nurse Natalia Sardudinova described the scene: “Everything was in smoke, there was no air to breathe.” Health Minister Viktor Liashko confirmed that all children had been evacuated, with those needing ongoing care transferred to other hospitals. “The rest of the children who were on oxygen support and connected to life support devices are now in hospitals and are being provided with adequate medical care,” he said.
Impact on Civilians and Medical Facilities
The attacks extended beyond the hospital, impacting densely populated areas and other medical facilities. A private medical facility belonging to the Adonis network in Kyiv was also targeted, resulting in seven fatalities. Moscow claimed to have struck military targets, but the civilian toll paints a different picture. President Joe Biden condemned the strikes as a “horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality” and reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine.
Eyewitness Accounts and Humanitarian Efforts
Eyewitnesses vividly described the chaos. “The lights went out, everything went out,” said senior nurse Iryna Filimonova, who was in the middle of an operation when the strike occurred. Despite the destruction, humanitarian efforts quickly mobilized. Volunteers provided essential supplies, and the UN team witnessed children receiving treatment in makeshift outdoor setups amidst the rubble.
International Reactions and Support
The international community reacted swiftly. The UN Security Council held a special meeting to discuss the strike, and several European nations, including Germany and Slovakia, offered to take in Ukrainian children for treatment. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced a rescue flight scheduled for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defense minister appealed for more air defense systems, a plea echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ongoing Challenges and Humanitarian Crisis
The attack on the children’s hospital is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. The World Health Organization reported over 1,600 instances of heavy weapons attacks on medical facilities, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
The latest Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including the tragic attack on Kyiv’s children’s hospital, underscore the urgent need for continued international support and humanitarian aid. As President Biden emphasized, “The world must continue to stand with Ukraine at this important moment.” The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, supported by global solidarity, remain crucial in the face of ongoing aggression.
