**Russia’s Wartime Assault on Ukraine’s Medical Infrastructure**
In a disturbing pattern of attacks, Russian forces have destroyed or severely damaged over 2,300 medical infrastructure facilities since the start of their full-scale invasion into Ukraine. According to a recent statement from the Ukrainian Health Ministry, these attacks are part of Russia’s deliberate strategy to target critical infrastructure in the country.
**Medical Facilities Under Fire**
The list of affected regions is long and painful. Kharkiv, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts have all been hit hard. The devastating attack on the Ohkmadyt children’s hospital in Kyiv on July 8 is a stark example of Russia’s disregard for human life. In this incident, two adults were killed, and at least 34 people – including nine children – were injured.
**A Calculated Attack**
Investigations by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) have revealed that the Russian missile used in the attack was fired from a plane belonging to the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division. The missile’s flight path indicated an intention to bypass Ukrainian air defenses and hit the medical facility directly. This calculated approach has raised concerns about Russia’s willingness to cause civilian casualties.
**Ambulances Under Threat**
Russian forces have also targeted ambulances, damaging or destroying a staggering 116 vehicles since the beginning of the invasion. Furthermore, 274 ambulances have been completely destroyed, and 80 have been seized by Russian troops. This escalation of attacks on medical transport has put lives at risk across Ukraine.
**A Ray of Hope**
Despite these dire statistics, there are glimmers of hope. In partnership with international aid organizations, Ukraine has managed to fully rebuild 700 medical facilities and partially restore 312 others, including critical hospitals and primary health care centers in frontline regions. This concerted effort demonstrates the resilience of Ukrainian society and its determination to preserve essential services.
**Commentary**
This deliberate targeting of medical infrastructure by Russian forces is a grave concern for human rights advocates worldwide. The intentional destruction of medical facilities and ambulances reflects a fundamental disregard for the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect civilians and healthcare workers in conflict zones. As we move forward, it is crucial that international partners continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild and restore essential services.
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