Ukraine blames Russian commander for July hospital attack in Kyiv

On July 8, a missile strike targeted the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, resulting in two fatalities and injuring 16 others. The attack caused significant damage to the facility, including the collapse of the roof in the toxicology department, which is critical for children receiving dialysis. Ukrainian authorities have identified Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, the chief of Russia’s long-range aviation forces at the time, as the suspect behind the order for the strike. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin announced the investigation into the incident, emphasizing that a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile was likely used in the attack. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has named Kobylash as a key figure in the ongoing investigation, which aims to hold accountable those responsible for the assault on the hospital. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko condemned the attack, accusing Russia of attempting to decimate the Ukrainian population. He highlighted the broader implications of such strikes, which have targeted civilian infrastructure and resulted in numerous casualties among non-combatants. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued warrants for Kobylash for alleged war crimes, including attacks on Ukraine’s energy systems. Despite these allegations, Russia continues to deny any wrongdoing and claims that its military operations do not target civilians, dismissing the ICC's actions as politically motivated.