Russia's recent attack on multiple cities in Ukraine has left at least 37 people dead and over 170 others injured.
AFP journalists on the site witnessed dozens of volunteers, including medical staff and rescue workers, digging through the wreckage from the Okhmatdyt pediatric hospital in a frantic search for survivors following the unusual daytime shelling.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched hundreds of missiles at five towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine, as well as the capital.
Zelensky said that at least 37 people were murdered, including three children, and more than 170 were injured.
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He said the strikes caused damage to roughly 100 facilities, including many schools and a maternity facility.
The air force said that air defense systems intercepted 30 missiles.
"It is necessary to shoot down Russian missiles. It is necessary to destroy the Russian combat aircraft on its bases. It is necessary to take strong steps that will not leave any security deficit," Zelensky said ahead of a NATO summit.
Zelensky requested an extraordinary meeting of the United Nations Security Council in reaction to the onslaught and encouraged Ukraine's allies to provide "a stronger response" to Russia's strike.
Following the attacks, US President Joe Biden offered "new measures" to strengthen Ukraine's air defense on Monday.
"Together with our allies, we will be announcing new measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences to help protect their cities and civilians from Russian strikes," Biden said.
According to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, UN rights head Volker Turk criticized the "abominable" Russian attacks, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said striking medical facilities was "particularly shocking."
The US condemned "another savage missile attack on civilians," while the EU chastised Russia for its "ruthless" conduct.
The shelling of a children's hospital was branded as "barbaric" by the French foreign ministry, "abhorrent" by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and "strongly condemned" by Japan's government spokesperson.
