In a brutal attack early Saturday morning, Russian forces targeted a medical center in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, killing eight people and injuring 11. Ukrainian officials reported that the initial strike damaged the hospital, leading to the evacuation of 86 patients and 38 staff members. However, as the evacuation was underway, Russian drones struck again, causing further fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia’s ongoing war has relentlessly targeted civilians, including hospitals and essential infrastructure.
The first strike claimed one life, with subsequent damage reported to several floors of the building. As emergency personnel worked to move people to safety, a second, more devastating attack killed five more, bringing the total death toll to eight by the end of the day. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the dual strikes on Telegram, calling it a deliberate act of aggression.
Zelenskiy reiterated the need for global attention, accusing Russia of waging war on civilian life. “Everyone in the world who talks about this war should pay attention to where Russia is hitting. They are fighting hospitals, civilian objects, and people’s lives,” Zelenskiy said, insisting that only a show of force could bring an end to Russia’s campaign.
The strikes were reportedly carried out using drones, which have been increasingly used in the region as part of Russia’s ongoing campaign. The Sumy region, located just 32 kilometers from the Russian border, has experienced heightened attacks following Ukraine’s recent counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Ukrainian air forces successfully shot down 69 of 73 drones in a larger assault that also targeted the capital Kyiv overnight.
Sumy has faced relentless bombardments in recent weeks as Russia escalates its drone and missile strikes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of these attacks, with infrastructure and healthcare facilities in the crosshairs of Russian aggression.
