Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to hold Russia accountable for its missile strike on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital. It is the only hospital in Ukraine treating childhood cancer with radiation therapy. 

The ministry has described the assault as one of the Kremlin’s most horrific war crimes since the start of Russia’s all-out war.

“One year has passed. Yet Russia has not been held accountable for this crime against the most vulnerable – children. The world must not look away,” the agency said in a statement.

On the day of the attack, 627 children, including cancer patients undergoing dialysis, were inside the hospital. The missile hit the toxicology building, killing two doctors, injuring at least eight children, and forcing the evacuation of 94 patients to other hospitals. A young boy later died in an intensive care unit during the strike. 

Investigations by Ukraine’s Security Service and international experts, including Bellingcat, confirmed that the hospital was hit by a Russian Kh-101 strategic cruise missile.

Forensic experts identify over 30 parts of Russian Kh-101 missile that hit Okhmatdyt hospital

The agency has identified dozens of Russian companies involved in producing the missile, most of which remain unsanctioned.

Its War & Sanctions platform has published a list of over 70 Russian companies manufacturing Kh-101 components. These companies still have access to Western equipment and technology, enabling Russia to replenish its missile stockpiles and continue targeting civilian infrastructure.

Just last month, a Russian Kh-101 missile destroyed an apartment building in Kyiv, killing and injuring civilians.

The Ukrainian Military Intelligence has identified Russian Major Denis Sheynov as responsible for the 8 July 2024 missile strike on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, where more than 600 children, including cancer patients, were present at the time of the attack.

This is not the first time Russia has launched strikes immediately following peace talks with international leaders — a pattern of demonstrative terror.

“Major Sheynov was responsible for the technical preparation of Kh-101 cruise missiles for combat use by strategic aviation,” Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) states.

The missile hit the toxicology building, completely destroying the oncology, surgical, and intensive care units, and leaving Ukraine’s only pediatric radiotherapy department without electricity, water, or oxygen. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 50 people, including children, were injured.

Sheynov, born on 30 January 1978, in Saratov, is a graduate of the Saratov Military School, served in Syria, and was decorated for “special operations.” According to HUR, he performed special missions in Syria in 2018.

Russia, as a terrorist state, systematically uses violence against civilians as part of its military strategy, both in Ukraine and earlier in Syria, where Russian airstrikes devastated cities like Aleppo, Homs, and Ariha.

These bombings targeted residential areas, hospitals, markets, and infrastructure, killing thousands and causing a humanitarian catastrophe. Russia also used internationally banned weapons, including cluster bombs and chemical agents, reinforcing its willingness to destroy civilian life to achieve military goals.

Okhmatdyt was Ukraine’s only hospital treating childhood cancer with radiation therapy. Its destruction is a devastating blow to pediatric oncology during wartime.