Ukrainian secret service: children's clinic hit by Russian cruise missile
Moscow had previously denied responsibility and stated that the hospital was hit by debris from Ukrainian air defense missiles. However, no evidence was presented.
Russia had bombarded Ukraine with a massive attack wave on Monday. According to Ukrainian reports, at least 28 people were killed and over a hundred more were injured. The Ochmatdyt Clinic in Kiev, as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statements, is one of the "most important children's hospitals in Europe."
During a visit to Warsaw, Zelensky paid tribute to the victims in a moment of silence with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Tusk stated, "There are no words, documents, or political declarations that can sufficiently condemn the aggressor while expressing solidarity and support for Ukraine."
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, condemned the lethal attacks. "It is unforgivable that children are being killed and injured in this war," the statement read.
Similarly, the EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell expressed his views: "Russia continues to disregard Ukrainian civilians," according to a post on online platform X. Ukraine needs an air defense system now. "All responsible parties for Russian war crimes will be held accountable," Borrell emphasized.
- The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service, SBU, is actively investigating the incident at the Ochmatdyt Clinic in Kiev, which was allegedly hit by a Russian cruise missile.
- Some Russian officials have suggested that the children's hospital was not intentionally targeted and was instead hit by fragments from Ukrainian air defense missiles, a claim that has been met with skepticism in Kiev and abroad.
- The SBU has accused the Russian secret service of providing information to pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, which could potentially have led to the attack on the pediatric clinic.
- Despite Moscow's denials, many international leaders have blamed Russia for the strike on the Ochmatdyt Clinic, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- During a press conference in Kiev, Zelensky called on Western leaders to provide Ukraine with advanced air defense systems to protect its civilians and critical infrastructure from further Russian attacks.
- Tusk, who joined Zelensky at a visit to a Children's Hospital in Warsaw, reiterated Poland's support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's aggressive actions against Ukrainian civilians.
- As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine, the relationship between the two countries' secret services will likely remain a point of contention, with both sides accusing each other of providing intelligence support to pro-government forces.
