Ukraine is observing a day of mourning following a devastating series of Russian missile strikes, which resulted in at least 41 deaths and 166 injuries. Among the casualties was the largest children’s hospital in Kyiv, hit during attacks across multiple cities on Monday. The tragedy unfolded as rescuers worked tirelessly to find survivors under the rubble of the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, where two lives were lost.
While Russia denied targeting the hospital, Ukraine claimed evidence of a Russian cruise missile.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as brutal, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of being a “bloody criminal.” International condemnation poured in, with NATO preparing for a summit in Washington to address the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Leaders worldwide, including newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden, denounced the strikes, emphasizing support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Biden announced plans for increased assistance to Ukraine’s air defense systems in response to what he described as Russia’s brutality.
The missile barrage on Monday damaged nearly 100 buildings across cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. Images from Kyiv’s hospital showed children, some undergoing cancer treatment and organ transplants, awaiting evacuation amidst the chaos.
The city’s mayor described the day’s events as among the worst faced by Kyiv since the conflict began, leading to flags being lowered and entertainment events canceled in mourning.
The impact reverberated beyond Ukraine, with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina visibly moved at Wimbledon, wearing a black ribbon in solidarity during her match. Meanwhile, the UN reported a surge in civilian casualties amid renewed Russian airstrikes, marking May as the deadliest month in nearly a year.
As tensions escalate, Ukraine’s response included launching drones that reportedly caused a fire at a power plant in southern Russia. The situation remains fluid as international calls for peace and humanitarian aid intensify amidst the ongoing conflict.
(Source: BBC News)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd162vj804go