USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – US President Joe Biden denounced recent Russian missile strikes in Ukraine that claimed the lives of at least 38 and injured 190 people, including children in a Kyiv hospital. Biden called the attacks a “horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality” and pledged to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
Hospital Under Fire
Despite the Russian denial, the UN and analysts assume that Moscow is accountable for the blast in the children’s hospital in Kiev, which killed two people and injured several others. A video analysis by BBC Verify supports the likelihood of a Russian missile attack.
NATO summit and increased defence measures
During a NATO meeting in Washington, Biden is expected to present new measures to boost Ukraine’s air defence. Heads of state and government from 32 NATO member states, partner countries and the EU will meet to commemorate the bloc’s 75th anniversary; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend.
Ukraine’s NATO aspirations
Ukraine is not a NATO member but seeks to join after the conflict. Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine’s membership was “inevitable”, but would only take place after the war. Russia is vehemently opposed to Ukraine joining NATO as it fears that this would bring the alliance’s armed forces too close to its borders, according to the BBC,
Global Condemnation
The UN Security Council, convening at Ukraine’s request, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres joined Western officials in condemning the missile attacks. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, declared a day of mourning following the strikes.
Investigations and Evidence
The UN’s human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and six munitions experts who reviewed video footage concluded that a Russian missile likely struck the hospital. The consensus points to an air-launched Russian Kh-101 missile, aligning with claims by Ukraine’s security services.
Zelensky’s Response
President Zelensky denounced the attack as “brutal” and labelled Russian President Vladimir Putin a “bloody criminal”.” He reported that Russia had launced over 40 missiles that damaged almost 100 buildings in several cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Kryvyi Rih.
Calls for Defense Systems
Ukraine continues to press for additional US-made Patriot air defense systems amid increasing Russian attacks. However, Western officials have been hesitant to allocate more of these limited resources.
International Reactions
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks as “depraved” and vowed continued support for Ukraine. He is scheduled to meet Biden at the NATO summit. Meanwhile, Russia reported a fire at a power substation in the Rostov region following drone attacks, with regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reporting casualties from Ukrainian strikes.
