GENEVA – A devastating strike on a children’s hospital in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was likely caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile, according to a recent analysis by the United Nations human rights monitoring mission.
Danielle Bell, head of the mission, announced in a press briefing on Tuesday that the UN’s investigation, based on video footage and on-site assessment, points to a high likelihood that the children’s hospital was directly targeted rather than being collateral damage from an intercepted missile.
The strike, which occurred in broad daylight, was part of a larger series of attacks that resulted in at least 41 fatalities across Ukraine, including children. The Kremlin has denied responsibility, claiming instead that the hospital was struck by Ukrainian anti-missile fire.
Bell’s team visited the site on Monday and observed the aftermath of the attack. “While we cannot make a definitive conclusion, the evidence suggests that the missile was launched by the Russian Federation,” she stated.
The hospital in question provides critical care to children suffering from severe conditions such as cancer and kidney disease. At the time of the attack, approximately 670 child patients and 1,000 staff members were present.
“Thanks to the swift actions of the hospital staff, who moved the children to a bunker when air raid sirens sounded, the number of casualties was not as high as it could have been,” Bell added. This incident has intensified calls for accountability and has highlighted the dire humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.