A series of Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, left at least 37 people dead and over 170 injured. The attack targeted various locations, including the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, which is the largest of its kind in the country.

The hospital attack resulted in two deaths and at least 16 injuries. Medical staff rushed to evacuate patients, including children undergoing surgeries and those in intensive care units. More than 600 patients were evacuated, with over 100 transferred to other facilities. Videos from the scene showed volunteers and emergency services working to clear rubble and rescue those trapped.

The strikes, which occurred during morning rush hour, were condemned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the issue.exclamation US President Joe Biden also condemned the attack, calling it a “horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality.” He reiterated US support for Ukraine and announced plans to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.

In addition to the hospital, a private medical facility in Kyiv was also hit, resulting in the deaths of five staff members and two patients. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that the strikes targeted military installations and air bases.

Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moments during the hospital attack, describing the chaos, smoke, and injuries sustained by medical staff and patients. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed shock over the damage to the hospital’s critical care units and oncology wards.

Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 30 out of 38 missiles launched by Russia. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov renewed calls for more air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities. Air raid sirens continued to sound in Kyiv as volunteers delivered supplies to the damaged hospital.

The attack comes ahead of a NATO summit in Washington, where new measures to support Ukraine are expected to be announced.