A missile wreckage fell on a Monday afternoon, striking the Adonis clinic in central Kyiv. The explosion resulted in a large plume of black smoke, shattered windows, and significant structural damage, while some personal items remained untouched. Staff members quickly sought information about the safety of their colleagues through a Telegram chat, but responses were delayed and grim.
This summer marked the deadliest three-month period for civilians in Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, as reported by the United Nations. The civilian death toll is believed to be much higher than the official figure of around 12,000. On July 8, a particularly deadly day, Russian missiles killed at least 41 people across Ukraine, including two adults at a children’s hospital in Kyiv, while a subsequent strike hit the Adonis clinic.
The Adonis clinic, which specialized in maternity care, was one of over 1,900 medical facilities affected since the beginning of the invasion. The World Health Organization reported a record number of attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, highlighting the trend of targeting medical facilities to instill fear and pressure governments.
On the day of the attack, staff members had varying attendance due to personal commitments, including a birthday party and medical emergencies. Dr. Olha Hyrina, the clinic's founder, had been operating since 1997 and had expanded Adonis into a significant healthcare provider with multiple locations.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, the original Adonis clinic remained operational and fostered a familial atmosphere among its staff. Employees often celebrated together and supported one another, especially those who had relocated due to the ongoing conflict.
On the day of the missile strike, air-raid sirens prompted patients and staff to seek shelter. After a brief return to their routines, another siren sounded, followed by the missile impact at 1:02 p.m. The explosion caused extensive damage and injuries, with initial reports indicating that Adonis was not a direct target but rather collateral damage from an intercepted missile.
In the aftermath, seven individuals, including two patients and five staff members, lost their lives. The funerals for the deceased took place three days later, with clinic employees mourning together as they honored their colleagues.
The tragedy at Adonis clinic underscores the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in Ukraine amidst the conflict, as well as the profound impact on healthcare workers and their communities.