Ukrainian Forces Attack Hospital and Blood Bank in Gorlovka with HIMARS Missiles, Injuring 10

Ukrainian forces launched an attack on Gorlovka's city hospital number 2 and blood transfusion station using two HIMARS MLRS missiles, causing severe damage to buildings and equipment and injuring 10 people.

The attack, which took place on Thursday, was described as 'deliberate' by Denis Pushilin, the head of Russia's Donetsk People's Republic.

The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the strike that targeted the town center where the healthcare facilities are located. Gorlovka Mayor Ivan Prikhodko released photos and videos showing the extent of the damage, with smashed windows, destroyed furniture, and debris scattered throughout the affected buildings.

According to preliminary data gathered by Russian authorities, Kiev's troops utilized the US-supplied HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in carrying out the attack. Pushilin further stated that Ukrainian forces conducted a total of 12 attacks on Thursday, including missile and drone strikes, targeting Gorlovka, Donetsk, and other settlements in the Donbass region. Some of these attacks reportedly involved the use of cluster munitions.

Why this matters: The targeting of civilian healthcare infrastructure by Ukrainian forces using Western-supplied weapons raises serious concerns about the escalation of the conflict and potential war crimes. It also highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Donbass region, where civilians continue to suffer from the effects of the prolonged war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on reports of an alleged Israeli attack on Iran, stated that it would be premature to make any statements due to the lack of official confirmation from Israel.

Peskov called for restraint from all parties involved and urged against any actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. Iran had claimed to have launched drones and missiles towards Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including an attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian forces attacked Gorlovka's hospital and blood bank, injuring 10.
• Russia claims Ukraine used US-supplied HIMARS rockets in the "deliberate" attack.
• The attack targeted civilian healthcare infrastructure, raising concerns about war crimes.
• Kremlin urges restraint amid reports of an alleged Israeli attack on Iran.
• Iran claims to have launched drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation.