In the Sumy region, near the border, a new tragic event has occurred, becoming a symbol of the barbarism of modern war. Russian armed forces struck one of the branches of the Sumy Regional Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Children and Persons with Disabilities. The building, which previously helped hundreds of people find hope, now lies in ruins.

Destroying «Little Switzerland»

The tragedy was reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha. According to him, attacks on such objects are not an accident, but a conscious choice by the enemy. The rehabilitation center, located amidst the unique nature of the borderland, was such a cozy and peaceful place that locals affectionately called it «Little Switzerland».

«Here, amidst incredible nature, children and adults were helped to believe in their own strength again, to recover and move forward. And it is precisely such places that Russia consciously chooses as its targets», — the Foreign Minister emphasized in his statement.

Diplomatic support and recovery plans

The center's team enjoyed support not only from local residents but also from the professional community. The Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats had long helped the institution. Very recently, shortly before the tragedy, they donated an interactive sandbox to the center, intended for the rehabilitation of its wards. Now, the center's director, Elena Suschenko, is assessing the damage and compiling a list of priority needs to address the consequences of the attack.

Ukraine intends to restore the facility as soon as possible. Andrii Sybiha stated that the country, together with international partners, will work to return the center to full operation. «When places where children and people with disabilities undergo rehabilitation become targets, the world has no right to get used to such evil or look for excuses for it», — the minister noted.

Systematic terror in the borderland

The destruction of the rehabilitation center is just part of the large-scale picture of violence that occurs daily in the Sumy region. The Russian army continues to systematically attack civilian infrastructure, using guided aviation bombs (KABs), drones, and artillery.

The situation in the region remains critical:

  • On the night of July 17, the enemy carried out a massive raid, during which five KAB strikes on the city of Sumy were recorded, resulting in damage to civilian objects.
  • Two days earlier, on July 15, strikes on densely populated areas resulted in more than 20 people being injured, several of them in serious condition.
  • On the same day, Russian aviation attacked other settlements in the community, striking a crowded place with six KABs, which led to the deaths of civilians and dozens of injuries.

Border regions continue to suffer destruction, and exclusively civilians and social infrastructure facilities come under fire. The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine assured that the country will do everything possible to make Russia pay for every crime committed.