VIENNA: The governing body of the UN nuclear watchdog passed a resolution on Friday, expressing “serious concern” over Russia’s airstrike that severely damaged a children’s hospital in the Ukraine’s capital Kyiv earlier this week.
The attack on the Okhmatdyt pediatric hospital on Monday drew widespread international condemnation, prompting Kyiv to urgently request an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
According to the Ukrainian interior ministry, two adults were killed and 32 others including eight hospitalized children were injured in the airstrike.
The hospital, which receives technical support from the IAEA for treating cancer patients through its radiology center, plays a crucial role in pediatric cancer care in Ukraine.
In the resolution passed on Friday, the IAEA’s 35-nation board of governors expressed “serious concern” over Russia’s attack on the hospital and emphasized its critical role in Ukraine’s medical treatment capabilities.
The board also strongly condemned the disruption of the IAEA’s technical assistance to Ukraine caused by Moscow’s airstrike.
The resolution, put forward by Ukraine, was approved by 20 board members, while Russia and China voted against it. Twelve countries abstained from the vote, and Paraguay did not participate.
The European Union, in its statement to the meeting, denounced Russia’s escalation of hostilities and highlighted the devastating impact of the hospital attack on the health of many children awaiting medical treatment.
Earlier reports from the IAEA confirmed that no radioactive sources were present at the Okhmatdyt hospital during the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi added there were “no nuclear safety or security risks” at the hospital.
Ukraine attributed the damage to a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, while Moscow blamed Ukraine air defense system.
The Kremlin reiterated that Russian military operations solely target military infrastructure and referred further inquiries to the defense ministry.
