Open letter to Ukraine’s allies: urgent call for air defense aid
We, the undersigned, extend our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of Ukraine’s allies in its struggle against the existential threat to the nation posed by Russian aggression.
Recent events have brought to light a drastic need for a comprehensive approach and urgent steps to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
On July 8, on the eve of the 75th NATO Summit, Russia attacked Ukraine with dozens of missiles. 44 people died, and almost 200 were wounded. Included in the Kremlin’s targets for that day was the Okhmatdyt hospital in downtown Kyiv, where child cancer victims and other sick kids were being treated. This hospital, known as the “Hospital of Last Hope,” is renowned for its specialized care in pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, and genetic diseases, conducting thousands of life-saving surgeries annually.
The decision to target Okhmatdyt was deliberate. There have been 1,442 Russian attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since the all-out invasion of 2022. As in Syria, where Russia perfected its hospital targeting, this is simply another means to terrorize the civilian population.