ICC Targets Senior Russian Officer Over Kyiv Hospital Strike

Ukraine's prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, revealed suspicions on Tuesday about a senior Russian air force commander ordering a missile strike on a Kyiv children's hospital in July, killing two. The ICC had already issued an arrest warrant for the commander, believed to be Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, for prior suspected war crimes.

Ukraine's prosecutor general announced on Tuesday that Kyiv suspects a senior Russian air force commander of ordering a missile strike on a children's hospital in central Kyiv this July, killing two and causing extensive damage. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has already issued an arrest warrant against the commander.

In March, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, accusing him of commanding Russia's long-range aviation forces and ordering strikes on Ukraine's energy system. Russia denies allegations of war crimes and targeting civilians.

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, standing beside ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan outside the damaged clinic, stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify others responsible for the strike. Kostin mentioned that the strike involved a Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile fired from a Russian bomber on July 8. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for six Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, which Russia dismisses as politically motivated.

(With inputs from agencies.)