Russia targets Kiev, children's hospital hit in Ukraine

Russia struck the city of Kiev and its surrounding areas with hypersonic missiles, one of which hit a children's hospital in Kiev.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the attacks resulted in 29 fatalities and over 50 injuries across Ukraine. The death toll is expected to rise.

Approximately 40 different missiles launched from Russia hit the cities of Kiev, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, Pokrovsk, and Kramatorsk.

'The Most Intense Attack'

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko described today's attack as "the most intense since the start of the war."

According to local sources, the missiles entered Ukrainian airspace around 10 a.m. Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground reported hearing approximately 10 explosions in Kiev.

Mayor Klitschko announced that air defense systems were active in the capital's suburbs.

City officials reported that missile debris fell in the Solomianskyi, Dniprovskiy, Holosiivskiy, Desnianskyi, Darnytskyi, and Shevchenkivskiy districts, causing damage to many buildings.

Children's Hospital Hit

Kiev authorities confirmed that at least seven people were killed and 11 were injured in the city.

The Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, the largest children's hospital in Kiev, was struck by a missile, causing irreparable damage. The injuries from the explosion and collapse were captured on camera.

Fires in the Desnianskyi and Dniprovskiy districts and damage to numerous residences across the city were reported. Medical teams were dispatched to the affected areas.

Russia Claims to Have Targeted Ukraine's Military Industry and Air Bases

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine had attempted to damage Russian energy and economic assets.

In response, the Russian Armed Forces launched long-range precision attacks on elements of Ukraine's military industry and air bases. The statement claimed the attacks achieved their objectives and struck the designated targets.

The ministry noted that Ukrainian officials claimed the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, but stated, "These claims are false."

"Numerous photos and videos published in Kiev show that the destruction was caused by a Ukrainian defense system missile. The Kiev administration always panics before NATO summits. These provocations aim to secure funding for Kiev and continue the war to the last Ukrainian."

Ahead of NATO Summit

According to Kyiv Independent, powerful explosions were reported particularly near the city center, close to the area around Taras Shevchenko Park. Explosions were also heard in the Podil and Nivki districts.

Local authorities reported that at least 10 people were killed and 31 were hospitalized in Kryvyi Rih. Governor Vadym Filashkin announced that a missile attack on the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region killed three civilians.

The attacks occurred just before the NATO summit in Washington, where Ukraine hopes to secure long-term aid commitments from its allies.