On July 8, 2024, Russian occupiers committed another war crime by attacking the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv. An X-101 missile struck the building, causing significant destruction and casualties. This tragedy is yet another testament to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
From the first moments after the tragedy, Russia began spreading misinformation, claiming that the hospital was allegedly hit by a NASAMS missile from the Ukrainian air defense system. This lie is used for propaganda purposes to diminish Russia’s responsibility for the war crime, discredit the Ukrainian air defense system, and sow discord and panic among Ukrainians.
Facts that Disprove Russian Misinformation:
- Sound of Flight: Recordings from the scene clearly capture the distinctive sound characteristic of cruise missiles, as opposed to air defense missiles.
- Flight Angle: The missile flew towards the hospital at a 45-degree angle, consistent with the trajectory of cruise missiles, not anti-aircraft missiles.
- Missile Debris: At the attack site, fragments of the X-101 missile’s body and fin with a serial number were found.
- Warhead: The X-101 missile has a cluster warhead, which explains the extensive damage. The NASAMS warhead cannot cause such destruction.
- Admission by Russians Themselves: Some pro-Russian sources initially reported the attack by an X-101, only to later remove this information.
Context of Russian Aggression
Russia has repeatedly used similar disinformation methods to hide its crimes. This is part of their propaganda strategy aimed at undermining trust in Ukrainian institutions and creating chaos among the population.
This attack is a horrific crime against civilians, for which Russia must be held accountable as a terrorist state. The perpetrators of this crime must face individual punishment for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Importance of Critical Thinking
During the war, it is especially important to critically evaluate information from unreliable sources. Trust only verified facts from official sources. The world must not remain silent about this tragedy.
Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, and every act of violence must be thoroughly documented and investigated. This is crucial for ensuring justice and punishing the guilty.
To prevent similar crimes in the future, it is vital to punish Russia, as all its citizens are, to some extent, complicit in this crime. It is also crucial to remember that the perpetrators of this crime must face individual punishment for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The world must not remain silent about this tragedy!
Conclusion
The attack on Okhmatdyt is another horrific example of Russian aggression, highlighting the need for international support for Ukraine in its fight for independence and territorial integrity. We must maintain unity and not fall for the provocations and misinformation from the enemy.
Read also: Ukraine Ready to Wage Defensive War Beyond Its Territory – General Staff of Ukraine.