PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Russian Missile Strike Destroys Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, Resulting in Numerous Casualties
In a horrific event, a Russian missile strike targeted a crowded children’s hospital in central Kyiv on Monday, part of a widespread aerial assault that claimed the lives of at least 20 people in various Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 40 long-range missiles were launched across the country in this deadly attack. The strike left many people trapped under the rubble at the children’s hospital. Damage was also reported in central and eastern Ukraine, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defenses just a day before NATO leaders were set to convene in Washington to discuss strengthening these defenses.
Local authorities in Kyiv confirmed that at least 17 people were killed and another 41 injured. The exact number of casualties at Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, remained unclear. Fires were reported in residential areas following missile debris crashing into neighborhoods after being intercepted.
Shortly after the attack, a woman was seen carrying a dust- and blood-covered child near the hospital entrance. A frantic search and rescue operation ensued, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stating that over 100 rescuers were on-site. Civilians formed a human chain outside the hospital to assist in clearing the rubble brick by brick.
Medical staff inside the hospital, which treats around 20,000 children annually, shared images depicting bloodstained hallways, collapsed ceilings, and damaged operating rooms. Dr. Tymofii, a surgeon at the hospital, managed to move his patients into a bomb shelter just before the missile hit.
“I’m not sure about other departments,” he said. “Some surgeons were in the middle of operations when the missile struck.” After the explosion, he witnessed numerous severely injured people wandering through the halls.
A two-story medical building about 150 yards from the main hospital suffered the most significant damage, with the entire structure collapsing. The explosion shattered windows in the main hospital building and sent shrapnel flying into it.
President Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that the hospital “has been saving and restoring the health of thousands of children.” He added, “Russia cannot claim ignorance of where its missiles are flying and must be held fully accountable for all its crimes. It is crucial that the world does not remain silent about this, and that everyone sees what Russia is and what it is doing.”
