Ukraine war live: Dozens of people die in Kyiv children’s hospital during Russian daytime attacks on Ukraine

A burning image in a familiar warpublished at 16:11 8 July

16:11 July 8

James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv

For millions of Ukrainians, the Russian invasion is a burdening familiarity.

Sirens sound frequently in various cities, occasionally followed by explosions. Cities closer to the front line are either abandoned, reduced to rubble, or both.

This is the story of Chasiv Yar, which continues to be surrounded by invading forces, at least what is left of it.

In Kiev, thanks to improved air defenses, people felt like they were living in a relatively safe city. But worries and sleep disturbances are weighing heavily on many people.

And when the rockets come, they will come in large numbers.

About every few months an image interrupts the rhythm of this grueling war.

The sight of young cancer patients sitting outside the destroyed Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv was a stark example of how indiscriminate these attacks are.

Their main goal is oppression and terrorization.

President Zelensky has vowed retaliation, and with his forces now capable of attacking some targets in Russia with Western weapons, he can afford to take a tough stance.

This is one of the reasons why Ukrainian troops managed to stabilize the front line in the northeastern Kharkiv region after a massive Russian attack from across the border.

Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian cities have no impact on the battlefield, but they will continue and are to be expected.

Image source, Reuters