Russian forces struck a medical center in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of eight individuals this morning, with a subsequent attack occurring during the evacuation of the building, according to Ukrainian officials.
At the time of the assaults, Ukrainian prosecutors reported that there were 86 patients and 38 staff members present in the hospital.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated on Telegram, “The initial attack claimed one life and caused ceiling damage across several hospital floors.”
He continued, noting that as individuals were evacuated, Russian forces launched another strike, which claimed the lives of an additional five people.
“Anyone discussing this war globally must focus on where Russia is targeting. They are attacking hospitals, civilian sites, and the lives of people,” he emphasized on Telegram.
“Only strength can bring Russia to the negotiating table. Peace achieved through strength is the sole appropriate avenue.”
Although Mr. Klymenko did not disclose the specific weapons utilized in the attacks, the regional administration and air forces indicated that drones were responsible for the strike.
Incidents targeting Sumy city and the surrounding region have escalated since Ukrainian military operations commenced in Russia’s Kursk region in August, resulting in the capture of numerous settlements.
Located just 32km from the Russian border, Sumy city has faced frequent drone and guided bomb attacks from Russian forces.
Ukrainian air forces reported having shot down 69 out of 73 drones during an overnight offensive, which also involved two ballistic and two cruise missiles.
Furthermore, around 15 Russian attack drones were neutralized by air defenses in Kyiv and its vicinity, according to military officials.
Meanwhile, Russia reported that the death toll from an explosion at a service station in Dagestan’s North Caucasus region has risen to 13.
A man retrieves water following an explosion in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, yesterday.
According to the emergency services ministry, rescuers recovered three bodies from the rubble this morning after retrieving 10 bodies yesterday, which included two children.
The ministry reported 23 injuries, sharing a video of firefighters and rescuers still operating within the smoldering remains.
Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the initiation of an inquiry into the provision of hazardous services leading to multiple fatalities, with such a crime carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison.
Investigators indicated that two explosions were followed by a fire at the service station located in the village of Novy Khushet, though no evidence of explosives has been discovered.
The emergencies ministry noted that the fire spread extensively, resulting in significant destruction of the facility.
Last August, an explosion followed by a fire at a service station in a suburban area of Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala, resulted in 37 fatalities and 119 injuries.
Such incidents are common in Russia, often due to lapses in safety protocols and aging infrastructure.
