Russian strikes in Ukraine: heavy toll and growing reactions

A capital in mourning

On Monday July 8, Russian strikes killed at least 38 people in Ukraine, sending shockwaves through Kiev, where a pediatric hospital and a clinic were targeted. The head of the Ukrainian army described these actions as a “war crime”.

Details of the attacks

A wave of missiles spread destruction and death across the country. In Kiev, 31 people lost their lives, including four children. The Okhmatdyt children’s hospital was severely hit, killing two adults and injuring 32 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deplored the loss of nearly 40 lives across the country and stressed the seriousness of the strikes, particularly against the most vulnerable.

The Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest pediatric hospital, was deliberately targeted, according to Ukrainian security services. The attack caused part of the facility to collapse, leaving young cancer patients under the rubble. Staff had tried to bring the children to safety, but some were in surgery at the time of the strike.

International reactions and accusations

The head of the Ukrainian armed forces denounced these acts as “war crimes”. President Zelensky, away at a NATO summit, called for a stronger international response. The UN referred to a Russian “direct hit”, while Joe Biden promised to reinforce Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defense. Pope Francis expressed his “deep sorrow” at the tragedy.

Human and medical consequences

Dozens of wounded are still hospitalized, and medical staff continue to struggle to save lives. Some 630 patients were being treated in Okhmatdyt, many of whom had to be transferred or sent home. The trauma and material damage are immense, leaving an indelible mark on the Ukrainian capital and its inhabitants.