One Year After Deadly Missile Strike on Ukrainian Children’s Hospital
On July 8, 2024, a Russian missile struck the children’s hospital “Okhmatdyt” in Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties. Among those responsible for orchestrating the attack was Major Denis Sheynov, head of the special engineering service of the 121st heavy bomber aviation regiment. The details were confirmed by Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, reports 24brussels.
This military unit was directly involved in the attack on the medical facility, which was treating 627 children at the time of the strike. Major Sheynov was tasked with the technical preparation of X-101 air-launched cruise missiles for deployment by strategic aviation aircraft, according to the intelligence reports.
Sheynov, born on January 30, 1978, in Saratov, Russia, had his passport information disclosed by Ukrainian intelligence. He graduated from the Saratov Higher Military Engineering Command School of Rocket Forces and was previously deployed in Syria in 2018 for special operations.
Among the recognitions he has received are medals for military merit, including “For Military Valor” and “For Distinction in Military Service.” Sheynov is married to Yelena Mikhailovna Shabalova, born April 30, 1976, and they have a son and a daughter. Their family resides in Saratov.
On the day of the attack, two individuals lost their lives, while 32 others sought medical treatment, including eight children who were hospitalized with injuries. Later, one child succumbed to their severe injuries sustained during the missile strike.
The attack raised questions about its impact on Ukraine’s main children’s hospital, the timeline for its recovery, and how funds collected for its restoration will be managed effectively by the Ukrainian public and businesses.
Further insights into the consequences of this missile strike and the future of “Okhmatdyt” can be found in the article titled “A Shot into the Future: The Consequences of the Missile Strike on Okhmatdyt,” featuring commentary by city institute director Olexander Sergienko.
