Ukraine calls on the IAEA to convene an emergency meeting over Russia's attack on Okhmatdyt
Kyiv • UNN
Russia's missile attack on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv, which damaged the oncology department and radiology center, prompted Ukraine to ask the IAEA to convene an emergency meeting in connection with this violation of nuclear safety principles.
Ukraine has appealed to the IAEA to convene an emergency meeting over Russia's attack on Okhmatdyt, UNN reports, citing the Energy Ministry.
Details
The ministry noted that on July 8, Russia launched a massive attack on several cities in Ukraine, in particular, an enemy missile hit the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv. Due to significant damage to certain premises, including the oncology department, seriously ill patients were evacuated to other medical facilities. The strike damaged the premises and equipment of the radiology center, and the building lost power. The cooling compressor of the magnetic resonance imaging machine was damaged due to significant damage to the power supply system, and the ultrasound diagnostic rooms and equipment were severely damaged.
"Russia's terrorist missile attack not only endangers human lives, but is also a blatant violation of the IAEA's core principles and values, undermining the very foundation of international nuclear safety and security... On behalf of Ukraine, I request a meeting of the Board of Governors on the situation in Ukraine in connection with Russia's brazen attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv," reads the official address of the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Galushchenko to the Chairman of the IAEA Board of Governors, Holger Federico Martinsen.
Help
The National Children's Specialized Hospital "Okhmatdyt" is a world-renowned medical institution that treats seriously ill children, including those with cancer. The hospital has 27 sources of ionizing radiation. "Okhmatdyt receives technical assistance from the IAEA under the technical cooperation program for important projects in several areas, including radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic radiology.Ukraine widely uses the mechanisms of technical cooperation with the IAEA, receiving equipment, advisory and technical assistance through the Technical Cooperation Fund, which consists of voluntary contributions from the Agency's member states. The IAEA assists Ukraine in formulating state policy and combating cancer.
