On 8th July Russian forces executed yet another massive missile strike on peaceful cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. The targets were civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.
In total, Russian armed forces launched over 40 missiles of various types, including cruise missiles from Tu-95 bombers, ballistic missiles, “Kinzhals,” and “Kalibrs”. Russian forces further deployed TU-22M3 aircraft for additional strikes using Kh-22 missiles.
The strike on Kyiv occurred during daylight hours, aimed at causing maximum casualties. 23 people were reported killed and approximately 86 injured in Kyiv, while in Kryvyi Rih, at least 11 people lost their lives and around 60 were wounded. Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
A particularly horrifying aspect of today’s attack was the strike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, “Okhmatdyt,” where hundreds of children with severe illnesses are treated daily. This demonstrates that the Russian army is waging war even against sick children. The barbarity and cynicism of the Russian regime know no bounds.
This terror unfolded just before the NATO summit in Washington. Through these savage actions, Putin once again demonstrated the brutal nature of his war, complete disregard for the international community, and fanatical desire to capture Ukraine and destroy its people.
If any doubts remain among Western partners regarding the necessity of further supporting Ukraine, today’s bombardment provides clear evidence that Putin has no intention of stopping. Any European country could be his next victim.
Ukraine urgently needs precision and powerful weaponry from its partner countries and permission to destroy Russian military targets launching attacks from any distance beyond the border. Collaborative production of air defence systems with Western partners is one way to save Ukraine from Russian missile terror.
Western partners of Ukraine should realise the critical need to provide Ukraine with anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems and other armaments. This is the only way to save Ukrainian lives and protect Ukrainian cities and villages from destruction.
Long-term support from Western partners is essential to ensure Ukraine’s resilience. This is the Ukrainian people’s aspiration as they recover once again from this blitzkrieg.
Only a united, consolidated position of countries at the current NATO summit can save Ukraine and demonstrate to Putin the readiness of the civilised world to stop him.
Ukraine needs a just peace, not empty “peace” initiatives from populist politicians and dictators. Russia’s missile attacks are a challenge to the world. The international community should not harbour any illusions about the fictitious nature of Putin’s statements about negotiations, ceasefire, and “war freezing.”
In the face of such constant and brutal missile strikes on peaceful cities in Ukraine, negotiations with Russia are meaningless. Russian terroriism against Ukraine’s civilian population must be stopped.
