Australia Condemns Russian Missile Attacks on Ukraine Hospital

Rescuers work at Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital that was damaged during a Russian missile strikes, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Russia’s alleged attacks on civilian infrastructure including hospitals.

This comes after missile attacks killed at least 41 in the Ukraine, including a strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Ms. Wong said these attacks were “abhorrent.”

“We condemn the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. Australia continues to support the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal, immoral war,” Ms. Wong said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Russia’s actions continue to shock the world and was bound to be a topic of discussion at the upcoming NATO summit.

“We have seen overnight the targeting of a school by Russia, once again a completely unacceptable action. But it is time, well past time, for Vladimir Putin to end this conflict,” he told media.

Mr. Albanese said the government condemns the targeting of civilian infrastructure that is hurting hospitals, schools, and a range of infrastructure targets in such a reckless way.

“These Russian missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities, including the children’s hospital, are just abhorrent,” he said.

He added Australia can be “very proud” of contributing more than one billion dollars to the efforts of the Ukrainian people.

However, Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham said the Australian government needs to step up support for Ukraine.

The Senator said it’s disappointing that the prime minister is not attending the 75th anniversary summit of NATO in the United States. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles is attending instead.

“I hope Richard Marles goes there with some clear plans and thoughts to ensure that Australia’s engagement with NATO is as strong as possible,” Mr. Birmingham told Sky News.

“I hope he goes there with more support for Ukraine, [which is] one of the few countries now, in terms of significant supporters, not to have a multi-year support programme in place and Australia really should step up in that regard.”

Mr. Birmingham said the NATO summit comes at a “critical time” given all that’s happened in the last 12 months around the world.

“Russia’s escalation against Ukraine, Iran’s scaling up all of their terrorist proxies, China’s military actions throughout, sadly, the oceans of our region. All of these types of issues just show what a challenged and dangerous world we live in,” Mr. Birmingham said.

Russia has denied responsibility for striking the hospital, instead blaming a Ukrainian anti-missile fire.

“The allegations made by [Kyiv] officials about a deliberate Russian missile strike on civilian targets are absolutely untrue,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine Expected to Be Hot Topic at NATO Summit

The United States and its allies are planning to make several big announcements at the summit related to Ukraine.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said these will centre around “strengthening their military and political partnerships” with Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to host an event with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a NATO Ukraine Council meeting on Thursday.

In a statement on July 7, Mr. Marles said the partnership between Australia and NATO reinforces their shared commitment to the rules-based international order.

“The Australian American Leadership Dialogue will reaffirm the strength of our alliance, as our nations continue to grow and adapt with our strategic circumstances,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on Ukraine, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said those responsible for “Putin’s illegal war” must be held to account.

“Russia’s strike on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv is an appalling attack on Ukrainian civilians,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones. The UK’s support to Ukraine is iron-clad.”

Mr. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is continuing to work to increase the protection of cities and communities from Russian attacks.

“There will be decisions. The world has the necessary strength for this. I am grateful to everyone who is rescuing and caring for our people, to everyone involved, and to everyone who is helping,” he said.