In a rare and large-scale daytime assault, Russian missiles rained down across Ukraine, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and injuring 125 others. A key children's hospital in Kyiv faced severe damage, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Targets and Impact
Russian forces unleashed over 40 aerial missiles targeting several cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Kryvi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Kyiv city military administration confirmed these details.
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Kyiv: At least 20 fatalities and 61 injuries were reported. The Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, a vital medical facility, suffered significant damage, prompting the transfer of patients to other hospitals. It remains unclear if the hospital was directly hit or affected by missile debris.
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Medical Casualties: Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reported that a doctor and another adult lost their lives in the hospital. Additionally, 16 people, including seven children, were injured within the facility.
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Wider Impact: Besides Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih witnessed 11 deaths and 40 injuries in a massive missile strike, as confirmed by Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul. The eastern town of Pokrovsk and Dnipro also suffered casualties, with three and one person killed, respectively.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
The attacks not only targeted human lives but also crucial infrastructure.
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Infrastructure Damage: Electrical substations and residential buildings were hit, with three substations in Kyiv damaged according to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private power producer.
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Rescue Operations: Hundreds of people engaged in clearing debris at the children’s hospital, while distressed parents with babies were seen in the streets. In various Kyiv neighborhoods, fires broke out due to falling debris from intercepted missiles, sending thick smoke into the sky.
Prelude to NATO Summit
The missile strikes coincided with significant international diplomatic events.
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Zelenskyy’s Statement: President Zelenskyy emphasized the global importance of recognizing Russia’s aggressive actions. He highlighted that more than 40 missiles targeted five cities, hitting apartment buildings and public infrastructure.
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NATO Summit: These attacks occurred just before a three-day NATO summit in Washington, DC, where member states planned to discuss unwavering support for Ukraine.
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Diplomatic Movements: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made an unexpected visit to Beijing, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a potential peace deal for Ukraine.
Advanced Russian Weaponry in Play
The assault demonstrated Russia’s use of some of its most advanced weapons.
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Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles: The Ukrainian Air Force reported the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which travel at ten times the speed of sound, making them difficult to intercept. The attack combined various missile types, including cruise, ballistic, aerial ballistic, and guided missiles.
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Defense Struggles: Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted the need for enhanced air defense systems, urging allies to supply more to protect against ongoing aerial attacks.
International Response and Diplomacy
The missile attacks prompted swift diplomatic responses and calls for international support.
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Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Efforts: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, emphasizing that future peace agreements must include Kyiv’s input. They signed a security agreement, reaffirming mutual support.
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UN Security Council: Zelenskyy announced plans to seek a United Nations Security Council meeting to address the latest assaults.
Ongoing Conflict and Civilian Impact
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has faced relentless attacks.
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Previous Casualties: In June, at least 12 people, including four children, were killed in various cities due to Russian strikes.
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Civilian Targeting: Despite repeated denials from Russia regarding targeting civilians, the Ministry of Defence claimed its attacks were aimed at defense industry sites and aviation bases, attributing the damage in Kyiv to a Ukrainian air defense missile.
The devastating missile barrage underscores the continuing crisis in Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for international support and intervention to safeguard civilian lives and infrastructure.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: BBC
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