Russian drone strikes kill 7 at medical center in Sumy
- Two consecutive Russian drone strikes targeted a medical center in Sumy, Ukraine, on Saturday morning, resulting in at least nine deaths.
- The first strike killed one person, while the second hit during the evacuation of patients and staff, causing significant damage to the facility.
- These attacks highlight the ongoing violence in the region and the dangers faced by civilian infrastructure amid the conflict.
On Saturday morning, two consecutive Russian drone strikes targeted a medical center in Sumy, Ukraine, resulting in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries. The first strike occurred at approximately 7:35 AM, killing one person, while the second strike hit shortly after, as patients and staff were evacuating the building. Ukrainian officials reported that Shahed drones were used in the attacks, which caused significant damage to the hospital, destroying several floors and igniting a fire. Emergency services managed to evacuate 122 individuals from the facility. The attacks in Sumy are part of a broader pattern of Russian military aggression in the region, which has seen almost daily strikes in recent weeks. Sumy is located near the Russian border, approximately 30 kilometers from the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been active in an effort to divert Russian military focus. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down a significant number of Russian drones overnight, indicating ongoing hostilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, emphasizing the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the need for global awareness of Russia's actions. The strikes not only resulted in loss of life but also highlighted the precarious situation for medical facilities in conflict zones, where the safety of patients and healthcare workers is increasingly compromised. As the conflict continues, the international community remains concerned about the humanitarian implications of such attacks, urging for accountability and support for Ukraine in its defense against ongoing aggression.