Russia has accused Ukraine of killing eight medical workers in a strike on a healthcare facility in the Donetsk region on Tuesday, alleging a violation of international law. The incident, which reportedly occurred when the facility was housing over 130 patients and approximately 50 medical personnel, has prompted a strong response from Moscow.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the attack involved four drones. “In the time of the attack, there were more than 130 patients and about 50 medical personnel in the medical facility,” the ministry stated, adding that the facility “was never used for military purposes.”
The accusation comes as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with both sides frequently trading blame for attacks. Kyiv has not yet commented on the allegations. The development underscores the challenges of protecting medical facilities and personnel in active conflict zones.
Separately, Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian attack on a hospital in Kherson injured three people, according to reports. Similar claims from both sides of the conflict are difficult to independently verify amid ongoing hostilities.
Russian forces currently occupy a significant portion of the Donetsk region, which Moscow refers to as the Donetsk People’s Republic. Russia supported pro-Russian separatists in the region since 2014 and subsequently annexed the area, along with other partially occupied Ukrainian territories, following its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The alleged attack on the healthcare facility raises concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law, which protects medical personnel and facilities during armed conflict. The incident could potentially influence future diplomatic talks and investigations into alleged war crimes.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s healthcare system is facing significant strain, particularly in areas near the front lines. A recent report from Czech Television highlights a shortage of medical staff, with some hospitals losing up to a quarter of their personnel due to ongoing shelling. Doctors and nurses are reportedly being forced to treat patients during active attacks and often work in multiple departments due to staffing shortages.
Ukrainian medical teams are likewise grappling with a resurgence of gangrene, a bacterial infection historically associated with trench warfare during World War I, according to Pravda. The infection is spreading due to the challenging conditions of modern trench warfare and the use of drones, which can delay the evacuation of wounded soldiers.
