In a tragic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian forces struck a medical center in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on Saturday morning. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people and left at least 20 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
The initial strike caused significant destruction to the facility, which housed 86 patients and 38 staff members at the time. “The first attack killed one person and damaged the ceilings of several floors of the hospital,” Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram.
As rescue operations were underway and evacuations commenced, Russian forces launched a second assault. “As people were being evacuated, the Russians struck again, killing a further five people,” Klymenko added. The subsequent attack not only increased the casualty count but also disrupted emergency response efforts.
This double assault on a healthcare facility highlights the intensifying hostilities in the region and raises concerns over the safety of civilian infrastructure. The residents of Sumy, a city near the Russian border, have been severely impacted by the conflict, facing frequent threats to their safety and well-being.
The international community has expressed growing alarm over the targeting of medical facilities and the escalating humanitarian crisis. Calls for a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the situation in northeastern Ukraine becomes increasingly dire.
The Ukrainian government continues to appeal for international support to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens. As the conflict persists, the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people remain evident amid the challenges they face.
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Russia strikes medical center amid ongoing attacks across Ukraine
cgtn.com
