Russian artillery strike devastates Kherson hospital
- An artillery strike by Russian forces hit a hospital in Kherson, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure.
- The regional governor reported multiple injuries, including serious cases, as part of a wider assault on civilian areas.
- The attacks have been condemned as war crimes, marking a continuing pattern of violence against civilians in Ukraine.
On July 2, 2025, a hospital in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson was struck by artillery fire from Russian forces, leading to significant destruction and injuries among civilians. The attack occurred late the previous night, resulting in injuries to five patients and three nurses, with a 44-year-old nurse sustaining serious wounds requiring hospitalization. The incident is part of a larger pattern of Russian assaults on civilian infrastructure in the Kherson region, which has seen ongoing violence in recent weeks. Regional officials reported damage to residential areas, including high-rise buildings and private homes, alongside harm to local businesses and vehicles. The regional governor of Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, reported that the broader assault involved targeting not just healthcare facilities but also damaging residential neighborhoods and agricultural facilities. This deliberate targeting of civilians has drawn condemnation from both Ukrainian authorities and international organizations, who describe these actions as war crimes due to their calculated nature against non-combatants. The attacks in Kherson were coupled with military confrontations across the region, including strikes in the village of Antonivka and in Nikopol, highlighting the ongoing conflict and instability in Ukraine. As the situation on the battlefield remains active, Ukraine's military has also taken measures by striking deep into Russian territory, thus attempting to disrupt Russian supply lines. On the same day, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence confirmed a successful operation targeting the Saratovorgsintez oil refinery in Russia's Saratov region, a facility known for producing fuel for Russian military units. This counteraction underscores the ongoing tit-for-tat military strategy of both sides amid increasing casualties. The conflict continues to draw global attention; however, recent reports indicate mounting concerns regarding U.S. support for Ukraine. The United States Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has reportedly imposed a suspension on the shipment of key munitions including Patriot missiles and artillery shells, citing dwindling stockpiles. This decision, originally made in early June, reflects the escalating pressures on military supplies and the complexities of international support that Ukraine faces in its fight against Russian aggression.