The recent Russian missile strike on Ukraine's largest children's hospital in the capital has prompted Ukrainian officials to demand a strong response from their Western allies and NATO.
The attack occurred on Monday, July 8th, as part of a large-scale assault on Kyiv.
The strike resulted in the deaths of two adults, including a doctor, and injuries to several children. Most of the children were saved as they were being moved to a bunker just before the missile hit.
Ukrainian MP's Plea
"This is going too far - deliberately shooting children with cancer. I don't know where the red lines are in this brutality and terror because it was intentional," European Solidarity MP Maria Ionova stated, as reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau.
She called for a "strong response" from Western allies and NATO, emphasizing the need for more long-range missiles, air defenses, and F-16 fighter jets to protect Ukraine and target Russian military infrastructure.
Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk also urged for enhanced air defense on Telegram.
US and NATO's Response
Speaking at a ceremony for NATO's 75th anniversary, US President Joe Biden promised Ukraine additional air defense systems.
The United States, Germany, Romania, Italy, and the Netherlands have all announced plans to provide “additional” Patriot air defense systems and dozens of tactical air defense systems like Nasams and Iris-T.
Outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also called for more aid for Ukraine and the country’s admission into the defense alliance.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that it might be possible to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine that threaten Polish airspace, a proposal discussed at a meeting in Warsaw with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Russia is spreading its own propaganda about the hospital attack on social media, supported by German right-wing extremist channels.
