Mariupol Turned into Living Hell by Russian Airstrikes... "Evacuation of Pregnant Woman Attacked at Hospital" (Comprehensive)

Ukrainian Children’s and Obstetrics Hospital Bombed... Zelenskyy Calls It "Evidence of Massacre"
International Community Condemns "Barbaric Act"... Ukraine Requests "No-Fly Zone" Establishment

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol is enduring a humanitarian crisis so severe that it is being described as a ‘living hell’ as it faces Russian airstrikes, with power, water, and other utilities cut off for over a week, and even hospitals filled with children and mothers being bombed. Russia has repeatedly emphasized that it does not target civilians, but as casualties among children, women, and other civilians continue to emerge, criticism has escalated to accusations of ‘genocide’.

According to the Associated Press and other sources on the 9th (local time), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a statement that a pediatric and maternity hospital in Mariupol was bombed by Russian forces. He strongly condemned the attack, saying, "This tragedy is at a severe level, with children and people trapped under the rubble," and added, "The airstrike on the children’s hospital is key evidence that genocide against Ukrainians is taking place."

Ukrainian authorities have so far reported no deaths from the bombing but confirmed that 17 people were injured. The hospital building partially collapsed due to the airstrike, and metal fragments, likely from medical equipment, were scattered around. Foreign media also reported scenes of local military authorities evacuating pregnant women hospitalized there and women crying while holding their children. One major foreign news outlet described it as "the most horrific incident during the past 14 days of airstrikes."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The bombing of medical facilities targeting civilians has drawn widespread international condemnation. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, said at a briefing that "using military force against innocent civilians in a sovereign nation is a barbaric act." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack, stating, "There is nothing more depraved than attacking vulnerable, defenseless people."

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, also said, "Bombing hospitals is unacceptable. No reason or motive can justify it," emphasizing, "This attack was aimed at destroying Ukrainian military facilities for security reasons, but attacking a hospital with children is unrelated to that."

Mariupol has been under siege by Russian forces, enduring airstrikes for over a week. Power, heating, water, and communications have all been cut off, and the city is facing shortages of food and medicine. The Guardian daily reported that bodies are piled up on the streets, starving civilians are entering stores to take remaining food or melting snow for drinking water, and thousands are hiding in basements, describing the dire local situation.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Serhiy Orlov, Deputy Mayor of Mariupol, stated that at least 1,170 civilians have died since the Russian invasion, and that about 40 bodies were buried on that day. He criticized the situation as "complete genocide and a war crime." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pointed out on Twitter that "Russian forces are holding 400,000 people hostage, blocking humanitarian aid and evacuations."

As Russian airstrikes on civilian facilities continue, Western countries have been urged to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Vadym Boychenko, Mayor of Mariupol, posted a video message on Telegram that day, pleading, "We ask the international community for help. Please close Ukrainian airspace," adding, "We will fight to the end. We have motivated soldiers and officials to defend our homeland, but we need support now."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.