There is information spreading online that the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital, which the Russians attacked with missiles, was used as a military hospital. Our fact-checkers have figured out if it’s true.
What happened?
On July 8, the Russian military launched a massive missile attack on the territory of Ukraine. In particular, they hit the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv
However, after the Russian army violated the laws and customs of war by striking at civilian objects, including a children’s hospital, pro-Russian resources published information that allegedly justified these criminal acts as military objectives. Indeed, this is not the first time such a justification has appeared.
For example, the Telegram channel «Первый Харьковский» published (archive) a post reporting that Okhmatdyt children’s hospital has been a military hospital since 2022.
Analysis
On July 8, at 12:25 a.m., the administration of the medical facility reported (archive) that in the morning, Russians launched a missile attack on the largest children’s specialized hospital in Ukraine, Okhmatdyt, in Kyiv:
Health Minister Viktor Liashko noted (archive) that the Russian missile attack damaged intensive care units, operating rooms, and oncology departments. He also said that the Russians hit the toxicology building where children were receiving dialysis.
President Zelenskyy emphasized in a statement about the shelling of the Okhmatdyt (archive) that the hospital is only for children:
“Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv. It is one of the most important children’s hospitals not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. Okhmatdyt has saved the lives of thousands of children. Now, the hospital has been damaged by a Russian strike, and people are trapped in the rubble, with the exact number of injured and dead unknown. Now everyone is helping to clear the rubble: doctors and civilians.”
The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) issued several statements to refute such fakes:
“This brutal act of terror by Russia against Ukrainian children will no longer be covered up by any “military purposes” excuses!”
As of 10:30 a.m. on July 9, the Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed 27 people and injured 117.
So, we have another example of Russians trying to conceal their own crimes against civilians with “military targets.” They are shelling residential areas, hypermarkets, and children’s hospitals, not military targets, violating the laws and customs of war.
Conclusion: Fake
Author: Vasylyna Haviak
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- Russian shelling caused eight fires in the Izium, Kupiansk, and Chuhuiv districts of the Kharkiv region during the day. Firefighters put them out, reported the State Emergency Service (SES).
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