Nine Killed in Russian Drone Strikes on Ukrainian Hospital in Sumy
In a devastating series of Russian drone strikes, nine people were killed on Saturday at a hospital in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. According to Ukrainian officials, the building was struck twice—once in the morning, and then again as rescuers were in the process of evacuating victims.
At least 12 others were injured in the attack, which destroyed several floors of the hospital and caused a large fire. Ukraine’s state emergency service, DSNS, reported that 122 people had to be evacuated from the scene. The attacks occurred just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Russian border, an area that has faced nearly daily strikes in recent weeks.
Ukrainian authorities stated that the Saint Panteleimon hospital was hit by Shahed kamikaze drones. At the time of the strikes, dozens of patients and staff were inside the facility. Tragically, a nurse and a police officer who were assisting with the evacuation were among the victims. The attack caused severe damage to three of the hospital’s four floors, as well as to the roof. Although a fire broke out, emergency crews were able to bring it under control. Several nearby residential buildings also sustained damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, urging the global community to take note of Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. “They are waging war on hospitals, civilian objects, and people’s lives,” Zelensky declared in a social media statement.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In its latest operational update, the Russian defense ministry acknowledged conducting strikes on Ukrainian forces in the Sumy region but did not comment on the hospital bombing.
Sumy, located near Russia’s Kursk region, was the site of a surprise Ukrainian incursion in August. The offensive, which captured at least one town and several villages, aimed to disrupt Russian advances in eastern Ukraine by forcing a redeployment of Russian troops. However, Russian forces have since made gains in the Donetsk region and are now threatening the strategic town of Vuhledar.
This tragic incident follows Ukrainian President Zelensky’s recent diplomatic efforts in the United States. On Friday, Zelensky met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in New York—a meeting that had seemed improbable given Trump’s past criticism of the Ukrainian leader. Earlier in the week, Zelensky held talks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, discussing his “victory plan” aimed at pressuring Russia into a diplomatic solution.
Hours before the meeting, President Biden announced a new $7.9 billion military aid package for Ukraine, continuing the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
