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“Horrendous Attack” — West Condemns Russian Strike on Ukrainian Children’s Hospital
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![Olga_gordiienko]( "Olga Gordiienko")
On the morning of July 8, Russian forces targeted five Ukrainian cities with over 40 missiles of different types, hitting apartment buildings and public infrastructure while many people were in the streets. The biggest devastations took place in the capital Kyiv. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes successfully targeted defense plants and military air bases, denying any civilian targets and blaming Ukrainian air defense for the damage.
Shortly after the attack, leaders of the Western countries came out with statements, condemning Russian attacks.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has stated that all restrictions imposed on Ukraine regarding the use of weapons against legitimate military targets should be lifted. “Horrendous and cowardly Russian attack against ‘Ohmatdyt’ Children’s hospital in Kyiv. At the upcoming NATO summit in Washington we must commit more military support for Ukraine. All restrictions imposed on Ukraine to use weapons against legitimate military targets must be lifted.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer called the attack on the hospital “the most depraved of actions. We stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression — our support won’t falter.”
Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis said on his Twitter (X): “Putin sends his greetings to the NATO Summit by bombing a childrens' hospital, as if any clarification was needed as to why Ukraine must have all possible support now, and real guarantees for security in the future.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the attack on the “Okmatdyt” hospital a war crime, and confirmed the government’s determination to help Ukraine. “I am deeply struck by the images of the bombings in Kyiv, which also hit a children’s hospital. These are war crimes that must be condemned by the entire international community. The government will continue to defend the sovereignty of Ukraine and its people.”
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink: “As world leaders gather to celebrate NATO’s 75th anniversary, Russia unleashes a barrage of 40 missiles across Ukraine. This blatant aggression, a complete disregard for human life that threatens European and transatlantic security, underscores why significant commitments to Ukraine’s defense will be made this week.”
German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger: “This attack exposes Russia’s true intentions: war against the civilian population. It lays bare their sham negotiations and empty promises of peace.”
Member of the European Parliament Guy Verhofstadt: “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ‘peacekeeping mission’ has yielded a horrifying result: Putin bombs a children’s hospital. This is arguably the most depraved act of the entire war. Putin craves submission, not peace, and Orbán appears a willing collaborator.”
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braje: “The Kremlin tyrant targets children, mothers, doctors, and teachers. A war criminal indicted by the International Criminal Court slaughters innocents for his own gratification. All who support or enable these atrocities share culpability.”
The UN’s human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine reported a rise in civilian casualties, noting that May 2024, in particular, was the deadliest month for civilian deaths in almost a year.
Following Russia’s attack, Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, stated that Russia’s genocidal intent to destroy Ukrainians was proven in the morning attacks.
Earlier today, on July 8, Russia launched multiple massive attacks on 5 Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyi Rih.
