Russia ‘cannot claim ignorance’, Zelenskyy says, as 31 killed in attacks on Ukraine including children’s hospital

8 July 2024, 14:51 | Updated: 8 July 2024, 15:42

Ukrainian authorities work the site after missile strikes hospital in Kyiv

By Kieran Kelly

@kellyjourno

Russia "cannot claim ignorance" after a missile barrage devastated a children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

Russian missiles hit Okhmatdyt children's hospital, Ukraine's biggest children's medical facility on Monday morning.

The total death toll from the hospital attack is unclear, though reports from Ukraine suggest at least two people may have been killed.

Overall, 31 people have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, with more than 150 people injured.

Reacting to the most recent strikes, Zelenskyy said: "We must hold Russia accountable for its acts of terror and Putin for ordering the strikes."

Children's hospital lies wrecked after missile strike in Kyiv

"Every time there are attempts to discuss peace with him, Russia responds with attacks on homes and hospitals.

"This is why we can only force Russia into peace, and we can only achieve this together with everyone in the world who truly seeks peace.

"This requires sufficient support, determination, truly joint action, and defence – shoulder to shoulder."

The Ukrainian President added that an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council will now take place.

Shortly after the attack, Zelenskyy posted online: "Russian terrorists have once again launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine.

"Different cities – Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk. More than 40 missiles of various types.

"Apartment buildings, infrastructure, and a children's hospital have been damaged.

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"All services are engaged to rescue as many people as possible. And the entire world must use all its determination to finally put an end to the Russian strikes. Killing is what Putin brings. Only together can we bring real peace and security."

Another Russian attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih is said to have killed at least 10 people.

The assault is the biggest bombardment of Kyiv for several months.

The daylight attacks included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, one of the most advanced Russian weapons, the Ukrainian air force said.

The Kinzhal flies at 10 times the speed of sound, making it hard to intercept. City buildings shook from the blasts.

Zelenskyy said Russia had targeted five cities with more than 40 missiles of different types.

The attack struck Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine's biggest children's medical facility. There was no immediate word on casualties there.

The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andrii Yermal, said the attack occurred at a time when many people were in the city's streets.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said official assessments of the attack's consequences are still being carried out. Explosions were also reported by local officials in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region.

The attack came on the eve of a three-day Nato summit in Washington, which will look at how to reassure Ukraine of the alliance's unwavering support and offer Ukrainians hope that their country can come through Europe's biggest conflict since the Second World War.