Vladimir Putin’s latest stunt in Ukraine is “daring NATO” to retaliate, a top official has warned following one of Russia‘s deadliest airstrikes in the war.
On Monday, Russia bombarded Kyiv and other cities with a series of missile strikes, killing at least 37 people, including three children, and injuring more than 170. Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, Ukraine‘s main children’s hospital, was obliterated in the strikes.
Volodymyr Zelensky said work was quickly being done to clear the rubble at the nearly 100 facilities that were damages in the blasts, including many civilian buildings.
He wrote on X: “In total, nearly 100 facilities were damaged, including a children’s hospital, ordinary houses, kindergartens, a maternity hospital, a college, and a business center. The rubble is still being cleared at these sites.”
In response, former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, issued a warning that Putin is being so bold as to taunt NATO, and called for a response from the alliance.
He also posted on X: “Putin is daring NATO. I hope the response from the alliance this week will be strong.”
Zelensky also called for a response from his Western allies, warning of a “powerful response” following Russia‘s brutal airstrikes.
He said: “[We] will retaliate against these people, we will deliver a powerful response from our side to Russia, for sure. The question to our partners is: Can they respond?”
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also spoke out against Russia‘s strike on the children’s hospital, calling Russia “war criminals” and reaffirming support for Ukraine.
She wrote on X: “Shocking images as Russian missiles hit Okhmatdyt Hospital, #Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital. It’s a reminder of why we must support Ukraine and why outright Russian war criminals must be held to account.”
Joe Biden echoed this sentiment, expressing his continued support for Ukraine and slammed the recent strikes as a “horrific reminder of Russia‘s brutality”.
He said in a statement: “It is critical that the world continues to stand with Ukraine at this important moment and that we not ignore Russian aggression.”