Russian Missiles Hit Children's Hospital Amid 'Massive' Attack

At least 38 people were killed and over 170 injured following Russian missile attacks on cities across Ukraine, including one which struck the country's largest children's hospital in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Igor Klymenko also said that Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Donetsk Oblast were hit by Russian strikes.

"More than 40 missiles of various types" were used in the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"Russian terrorists have once again launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine," he said, adding that "all services are engaged to rescue as many people as possible.

Zelensky said the precise number of casualties at the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv was still unknown, and that efforts were underway to clear the rubble.

Klymenko added that rescue teams, police, dog handlers, and bomb technicians were all involved in recovery efforts.

He also said psychologists had been brought in and psychological assistance points had been set up for those affected by the blasts.

Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Ukrainian military administration of Kryvyi Rih, said that a day of mourning had been declared for tomorrow in the central Ukrainian city.

Newsweek has contacted Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs for further information.

The Associated Press reported that Monday morning's rush-hour attacks were partly carried out using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles – one of the most advanced Russian weapons which flies at 10 times the speed of sound, making it a challenge to intercept.

Zelensky has since said that Ukraine plans to initiate an emergency meeting of the United Nations security council due to the Russian strike on civilian infrastructure, including the children's hospital.

Monday's strikes across the country come as Russian propagandist and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin Sergey Mardan discussed the prospect of nuclear strikes on Ukraine in a state television broadcast, following a poll that suggested a third of Russians would not oppose a nuclear strike on Ukraine.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov has previously said that the ongoing war in Ukraine following Moscow's invasion in 2022 necessitates changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine by the country's leadership.

Newly appointed U.K. Secretary of Defence John Healy announced a new military aid package for Ukraine during a recent visit to Odesa, Ukraine's defense ministry said on Monday. The package include 250,000 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition and 90 anti-armor Brimstone missiles.

Update, 7/8/24, 6:23 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

Update, 7/8/24, 7:22 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

Update, 7/8/24, 10:38 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information, including a revised death toll.

Update 7/9/24, 04:27 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a revised death toll.

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