​Deadly Russian missile strike: Over 30 killed, including in Kyiv Children's Hospital; Zelenskyy vows retaliation​

A major Russian missile attack across Ukraine resulted in over 30 deaths and above 110 injuries, according to officials. One of the missiles struck a large children's hospital in Kyiv, where emergency crews desperately searched through the rubble for victims. The daytime barrage targeted five Ukrainian cities with more than 40 missiles of various types, causing widespread destruction and chaos.(Picture credit: AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the missiles hit apartment buildings and public infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's birthplace, over ten people were killed and several were injured in a massive missile attack, according to city administration head Oleksandr Vilkul. Seven people were reported dead in Kyiv, further illustrating the broad reach and devastating impact of the attack. (Picture credit: Reuters)

At the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv, rescuers combed through the debris of a collapsed wing, searching for survivors. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least 16 people, including seven children, were injured in the attack. The hospital's main building suffered severe damage, with windows and doors blown out and walls blackened, leaving the intensive care unit, operating theatres, and oncology departments heavily affected. (Picture credit: Reuters)

Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of global awareness and action in response to these attacks, highlighting the brutality of Russia's actions. As Western leaders convened a three-day NATO summit in Washington, they discussed how to reassure Ukraine of their unwavering support and offer hope for the country's survival. The international community's response remains crucial as Ukraine continues to endure relentless assaults. (Picture credit: AFP)

The psychological and emotional toll of the attack was palpable. Ukraine's Security Service discovered wreckage from a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile at the site and promptly opened war crime charges, underscoring the severity of the incident. (Picture credit: AFP)

Medical personnel, residents, and volunteers worked together to clear the rubble, forming human chains to pass debris and ensure the safety of those trapped beneath. Smoke continued to rise from the hospital as the search for survivors persisted, illustrating the ongoing danger and urgency of the situation. The attack forced the hospital to shut down and evacuate, with mothers carrying their children to safety and volunteers assisting in any way they could. (Picture credit: Reuters)

The attack on the hospital was part of a broader assault that saw multiple districts in Kyiv heavily bombarded, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructural damage. Subsequent missile strikes further exacerbated the devastation, with additional casualties reported and more buildings destroyed. The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the attack included advanced Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, highlighting the sophisticated weaponry used in the assault. (Picture credit: AFP)

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that the strikes targeted Ukrainian defence plants and military air bases, denying any intention to hit civilian facilities. However, this assertion was contradicted by the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and the numerous civilian casualties reported by Ukrainian officials. The international community, including Czech President Petr Pavel and the UN, condemned the attack, emphasizing its inexcusable nature. (picture credit: Reuters)

The strikes led to widespread panic and confusion, with buildings shaking from the blasts and emergency services overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Efforts to restore order and provide medical assistance were hampered by the ongoing threat of further attacks, as evidenced by additional explosions and air raid sirens. The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, however, shone through as they continued to support one another in the face of adversity. (Picture credit: Reuters)

As Ukraine navigates this ongoing conflict, the international community's role remains critical. Zelenskyy's calls for increased military support and air defence systems reflect the urgent need for enhanced protective measures. The attacks serve as a stark reminder of the brutality of the war and the pressing need for a coordinated and robust response to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and the safety of its people. (Picture credit: Reuters)