Russia must be held accountable for ‘terror acts’ on children's hospital – Zelensky

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that the Russian Federation must be held accountable for its acts of terror against the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv on Monday.

Zelensky described the hospital as “one of the most important children’s hospitals not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe.”

This was after a massive attack on at least five Ukrainian cities. They include Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk.

“Russia cannot claim ignorance of where its missiles are flying and must be held fully accountable for all its crimes. Against people, against children, against humanity in general.

“It is very important that the world does not remain silent about this now, and that everyone sees what Russia is and what it is doing,” the Ukrainian president said.

According to Zelensky, more than 40 missiles were launched from Russia and were targeted at residential buildings, and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Healthcare Minister Viktor Liashko said missiles hit and damaged the toxicology building at Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital where children were undergoing dialysis treatment.

Speaking to Kyiv24 TV, Liashko said the toxicology building was the most affected at the hospital and is the most critical and children cannot survive without it.

“Children cannot live without it, they are on dialysis. The operating rooms, intensive care units, and oncology ward, where there were clean rooms with special air and a separate building are all damaged,” he said.

"Unfortunately, there are victims and injured in the toxicology building where children were receiving dialysis," he added.

All patients from the children hospital have been transferred to other medical institutions.

President Zelensky said that it is a trend they have noted with Putin, that each time there are attempts to hold peace talks.

He termed the attack a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.

“We must hold Russia accountable for its acts of terror and Putin for ordering the strikes. Every time there are attempts to discuss peace with him, Russia responds with attacks on homes and hospitals.”

From the attack, at least 38 people have been reported dead, including four children.

190 people were injured during the attack. Some 64 people are hospitalized in Kyiv, 28 in Kryvyi Rih, and 6 in Dnipro.