TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday (July 9) announced it will donate US$200,000 (NT$6.5 million) to the Ukrainian children's hospital recently severely damaged by a Russian missile attack.
On Monday, a Russian missile struck the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital, flattening part of the facility and killing at least two and wounding 16, including seven children, reported CBS News. MOFA on Tuesday said it "strongly condemns Russia’s attacks on the hospital, which ruthlessly targeted children.”
The ministry said since the war started in February 2022, Taiwan's civil society “donated approximately US$30 million to assist Ukraine out of humanitarian concern." Of this aid, US$1 million was allocated to assist the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, purchasing medical equipment and replenishing medical supplies.
Following the recent missile attack, MOFA has instructed Taiwan's representative office in Poland to express condolences to the hospital's director. It announced a donation of US$200,000 to procure necessary medical supplies for the hospital and restated its commitment to assisting as needed.
The ministry said out of solidarity, Taiwan has "extended a helping hand to the hospital and its young patients and their families, supporting efforts to ensure the basic dignity and humanitarian treatment of the Ukrainian people.
MOFA closed by reiterating its call on Russia to “respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; cease its aggressive actions; and restore peace as soon as possible.” It vowed that “Taiwan will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a “force for good in the international community” and cooperate with like-minded countries to safeguard the core values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights.
In a tweet on Tuesday, MOFA emphasized that Taiwan joins the democracies of the world in condemning Russia's missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, especially the bombing of the children's hospital. It said Taiwan has "proudly supported" the hospital and added, “Our hearts are with the affected and all in Ukraine.”
