Maternity Hospital in Zaporizhzhia Shelled by Russian Forces, Trapping 16 Women and Infants.

Russian Attack Targets Maternity Hospital in Zaporizhzhia

According to Novyny.live: Russian occupying forces shelled a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia on February 1, according to the head of the Zaporizhzhia District State Administration, Oleh Buriak. The attack trapped 16 women, three of whom had newborn infants, and 15 medical staff inside the facility. The city is also enduring difficult conditions, with temperatures dropping to -7°C (-19°F), compounding the hardship for civilians. This assault on a medical facility is a stark violation of international humanitarian law.

Consequences of the Shelling and an Assassination Attempt

In addition to the hospital attack, Russian troops heavily targeted the Zaporizhzhia region over the past day, wounding ten people. Oleh Buriak reported that cleanup and repair efforts at the maternity hospital have entered a second day, involving debris removal, boarding up shattered windows and doors, and sealing the building due to a loss of structural integrity from the shelling.

Separately, an assassination attempt was made on Mykola Svyrydenko, the head of the Tavriyske community in Zaporizhzhia. He sustained penetrating wounds to his lungs and liver. Buriak stated that a drone exploded near Svyrydenko's car shortly after he entered it, highlighting the severe dangers faced by local officials. These events underscore a sharp escalation of violence and terror against the civilian population in the region.

This incident is part of a broader pattern in the conflict in Ukraine, where civilian facilities like hospitals are becoming targets. Oleh Buriak

The attack has raised grave concerns about safety and the humanitarian situation in the area. Given the constant shelling and threat to local residents' lives, it is crucial to ensure adequate support and protection for the population enduring these dire circumstances.