Ukraine searches rubble of children’s hospital as NATO countries condemn ‘barbaric’ Russian attack

LONDON – First responders spent the night in Kyiv digging through the rubble of the children’s hospital and other sites hit by Russian missiles on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

“The rescue operation following yesterday’s Russian missile attack continues,” he said on social media on Tuesday. “So far, 38 deaths have been reported, including four children. My condolences go out to all families and friends affected by this tragedy.”

At least 94 children, including eight injured, were taken to other hospitals after the rocket attack on the Ochmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said via the messaging service Telegram.

Monday’s large-scale airstrike came on the eve of the NATO summit in Washington DC As rescue operations continued in Kyiv, representatives of NATO countries and other allies of Ukraine issued sharp comments criticising Russia for its “horrific” and “barbaric” attacks.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s actions and described the attacks as “horrific missile attacks on Ukrainian cities that killed innocent civilians, including children.”

According to a press release from Stoltenberg’s office, NATO members will make decisions during the summit in Washington on how to increase the alliance’s support for Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Monday that the deadly rocket attacks in Ukraine were “a terrible reminder of Russia’s brutality,” adding that the world must continue to stand with Ukraine ahead of this week’s NATO summit, where the ongoing war will be a major topic of discussion.

Biden said he would make it clear to Zelensky that “support for Ukraine is unwavering.” NATO leaders would also announce “new measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all the victims and their families,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement. “The UK’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. We must hold those responsible for Putin’s illegal war to account.”

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné condemned the Russian missile attacks, calling them “barbaric” and a “war crime.” He called on Ukraine’s allies to increase their support for the besieged country.

“Russia must not win this war,” Séjourné said in French on social media.

Ukraine’s Security Service said it had launched a criminal investigation into the attack, which it also described as a “war crime.” According to preliminary findings from the service, a Russian Kh-101 missile hit the site.

Martin Jäger, the German ambassador to Ukraine, said his team visited the hospital grounds and saw young cancer and dialysis patients “sitting on the sidewalk with their mothers.”

“This is a war against the civilian population,” he wrote in German on social media. “This is what Russia’s willingness to negotiate and its desire for peace looks like.”

The German Prime Minister added in a statement that his country stands “unwaveringly by the side of the Ukrainian people. Especially in these difficult times.”

More than 400 people were involved in rescue operations at Kyiv Children’s Hospital and elsewhere overnight, Zelensky said on Tuesday.

He said four of the 38 people killed were children. At least 190 people were being treated for injuries across the country, he said.

“We are continuing our work to increase the protection of our cities and communities from Russian terror,” said Zelensky. “Decisions will be made. The world has the strength to do so.”

ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.