Russian strikes kill scores in Ukraine, including at a children's hospital

A Russian missile strike partially destroyed a children's hospital in Kyiv on Monday, forcing terrified patients and their families to flee. Officials fear more people could be trapped beneath the rubble.

This attack was part of a series of bombings by Moscow across the country, marking one of the deadliest assaults on Kyiv since the early months of the war. At least 38 people were killed nationwide, including 27 in Kyiv, and over 100 were injured. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down 30 of the 38 missiles launched by Russia during the midmorning attack.

“The attack was massive, combined with the use of aerial, ballistic and cruise missiles,” said Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration. “The missiles flew at the capital in waves and from different directions.”

The targeted facility is Ukraine's largest children's medical center, crucial for treating some of the sickest children in the country. Annually, around 7,000 surgeries, including treatments for cancer and hematological diseases, are performed at the hospital, according to Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets.

The attacks began before dawn with Russian bombers launching four X-101 cruise missiles and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleschuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. Three cruise missiles were shot down, but details about those that evaded air defenses were not provided.

A few hours later, air alarms sounded across Ukraine as Russia launched a second, larger barrage, including the one that struck the hospital.

The Ukrainian Air Force noted that Monday's attacks were partly conducted by bombers operating from deep within Russian territory, where Ukraine cannot use Western weapons. These strikes occurred a day before NATO leaders were set to meet in Washington to announce new efforts to bolster Ukraine's air defenses.