Six Russia Regions Attacked As Ukraine Hits Back After Hospital Bombing

Ukraine attacked six Russian regions overnight with drones, hours after a Russian a missile hit the main children's hospital in Kyiv, causing multiple civilian casualties.

Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed three drones over the Belgorod region near the Ukraine border, seven drones over the Kursk region, two drones over the Voronezh region, 21 drones over the Rostov region and five drones over the Astrakhan region.

A drone attack was also reported in the Volgograd region by governor Andrei Bocharov, who said falling debris caused a fire to break out in the town of Frolovo and at an oil depot in the town of Kalach-na-Donu.

Footage circulating on social media showed a huge blaze and a column of black smoke at the oil depot.

Newsweek has contacted Russia's Defense Ministry for comment by email.

The strikes followed Russia's deadliest attack of the year against Ukraine on Monday, which saw a barrage of missiles hit targets across the country, including the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Ukraine's capital.

At least 38 people were killed and 190 were injured as a result of Russia's missile strikes on Monday. A day of mourning is being observed in the country as a result of the attacks.

Searches were still ongoing on Tuesday for survivors trapped beneath rubble at Ukraine's largest pediatrics facility.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said late on Monday that in total, nearly 100 facilities were damaged nationwide, including the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, civilian houses, kindergartens, a maternity hospital, a college and a business center.

"A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble," said Zelensky.

"The rubble is still being cleared at these sites," he said in a statement on his social media channels, calling Monday's attack on the Okhmatdyt Hospital "brutal" and describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "bloody criminal."

"Russian terrorists must be held accountable for this. Mere concern does not stop terror. Condolences are not a weapon," the Ukrainian leader said.

He added: "We need to shoot down Russian missiles. Russian combat aircraft must be destroyed where they are based. Strong steps must be taken to eliminate any security deficit."

Russia denied targeting the children's hospital, saying on Monday that debris from a Ukrainian air defense missile hit the facility. Ukraine said Russia used a Kh-101 cruise missile to attack the site. Ukraine's Security Service said it had found wreckage from the missile.

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