UN condemns Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine hospitals

The UN’s top humanitarian official has reiterated strong condemnation of deadly missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities on Monday, while a senior doctor from the capital’s main children’s hospital described to the Security Council the “real hell” endured by patients and medical staff alike after it came under fire.

Two of the country’s main specialist hospitals for children and women were heavily damaged along with key energy infrastructure, reportedly killing dozens of civilians, including children, and injuring over 110.

Joyce Msuya, acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, told ambassadors in the Security Council on Tuesday, that the UN human rights office (OHCHR) was verifying the figures, while rescue workers, hospital staff, and volunteers continued to clear rubble in search of those trapped under debris.

“My heart goes out to all those affected,” she expressed, reiterating that hospitals have special protection under international humanitarian law.

“Intentionally directing attacks against a protected hospital is a war crime, and perpetrators must be held to account.”