Ukraine: UN official deplores deadly double attack on hospital
© UNOCHA/Sarah Hilding der Weduwen File photo of UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale (second from right), who recently visited a transit centre for displaced people fleeing hostilities in the Donetsk region. Peace and Security
The top UN aid official in Ukraine has condemned Russian attacks in the northeastern city of Sumy on Saturday which damaged a hospital and killed and injured several people.
The medical facility was hit in twin drone strikes that morning and at least nine people were killed, according to media reports.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale issued a statement saying he was devastated by the attacks.
Not a target
“Places providing healthcare must always be safe and not be subjected to such ruthless violence,” he said.
He added that the second strike “compounded the suffering of the wounded and incapacitated first responders.”
Mr. Schmale said attacks against the wounded and those helping them are prohibited under international humanitarian law, while civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted.