Missile strike on children's hospital reinforces resolve

UKRAINE - In Brief 09 Jul 2024 by Dmytro Boyarchuk

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I want to say a few words about Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, which was targeted by Russian forces yesterday. This isn’t just another hospital; it’s a symbol for millions of Ukrainians. For nearly two and a half years, Vladimir Putin, with broad support from Russians, has been destroying numerous hospitals in Ukraine, but Okhmatdyt holds a special place for Ukrainians. Okhmatdyt stands for "mother and child protection" and has been the central hospital for treating children with severe diseases such as cancer, severe birth defects, and complicated infectious diseases. It’s a beacon of hope, even for atheists. The hospital accepts everyone for free, regardless of their status or financial situation. It is well-equipped and generously supplied with medicines. Everyone knows that if things take a dramatic turn for the worse with your children, Okhmatdyt will always welcome you. It has been and remains a place of last hope for many parents. This tragedy was not a case of intercepted missile remnants falling on the hospital. Sufficient video evidence shows that the missile targeting Okhmatdyt was fully functional and flew precisely to its intended target, directed by the Russians. This raises questions about the efficiency of the air defense, which was reported to have been strengthened after renewed Western weapon supplies. Ukrainians will be demanding answers to this question. However, the significance of the Okhmatdyt attack is different. This act of intimidation, undoubtedly aimed at creating nationwide fear and destabilization and sending a message on the eve of NATO summit, had a dramatically different effect on Ukrainians. The nation is undoubtedly tired of the war ...