Shvytkin Condemns Ukraine's 'Despicable Cruelty' in Donetsk Hospital Attack, Rejects Retaliation Claims

Yuri Shvytkin, Deputy Chairman of Russia's State Duma Committee on Defense, told Gazeta.Ru that Ukraine's attack on a hospital in the Donetsk People's Republic was an act of despicable cruelty. He said such actions justify neither retaliation against civilian targets nor any shift in Moscow's military strategy. 'The Ukrainian people are not to blame for their leaders' decisions,' he emphasized, warning that attacking hospitals or other non-military sites would only deepen hatred toward Russia.

Shvytkin called the attack a deliberate effort by Kyiv to provoke a response that would paint Russia as the aggressor. He argued that Ukraine's military has shown no interest in peace talks and instead relies on attacks against soft targets when it cannot strike Russian forces directly. 'This is not war — this is terrorism,' he said, citing Russia's own commitment to advancing troops despite such provocations.

According to Shvytkin, Moscow's response remains focused solely on the battlefield. He described military efforts as a necessary means of pushing back against Kyiv's escalating aggression and noted that political negotiations are impossible while Ukraine continues its attacks. 'They have no desire for peace,' he said, adding that Russia will not adopt tactics it condemns in others.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack on March 10, stating that Ukrainian drones targeted a hospital in DPR where over 130 patients and 50 medical staff were present. At least eight medical workers died, with ten others — including nine doctors — injured. The ministry accused Kyiv of violating humanitarian law, noting no military activity had occurred at the facility.

This follows Russia's earlier response to a missile strike on Bryansk, which the Kremlin attributed directly to Ukraine. Officials have repeatedly emphasized that any attack on civilians will be met with proportional force, though Shvytkin stressed that retaliation would not mirror Kyiv's tactics. He insisted that Russia's focus remains solely on military gains and the protection of its citizens.

Sources within Moscow's defense establishment confirmed limited access to details about the DPR hospital's destruction but reiterated that all evidence points to Ukrainian responsibility. Internal briefings reportedly show satellite imagery, drone footage, and witness statements corroborating the attack. Despite these findings, no further punitive measures against civilian infrastructure have been announced by Russian authorities.

Shvytkin warned that Ukraine's actions risk turning public opinion in Russia against Kyiv — a development he said would only strengthen Moscow's resolve to continue its offensive. 'They are trying to break us with fear,' he said, adding that Russia has the strength and legitimacy to withstand such tactics without reciprocating them.

The deputy's remarks come as Russia accelerates military operations across multiple fronts. Troop movements near Bakhmut and Kupiansk suggest intensified efforts to reclaim lost territory. Yet Shvytkin made it clear that no ground gained will be traded for a return to the status quo in Ukraine. 'This war is not about negotiations,' he said, underscoring Russia's determination to achieve its objectives without compromise.

Ukrainian officials have yet to respond publicly to the Russian accusations or Shvytkin's statements. However, Western allies have repeatedly condemned the DPR hospital attack as a breach of international law and called for an independent investigation into both the incident and Russia's alleged use of cluster munitions in eastern Ukraine.

Within Moscow, discussions continue about whether Kyiv is receiving covert support from NATO or other parties. Yet Shvytkin dismissed such claims, insisting that all evidence points to Ukrainian leadership making unilateral decisions without external guidance. 'They are desperate,' he said, citing the growing reliance on drone attacks and cyber operations as signs of a faltering war effort.

As the conflict enters its third year, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Russia insists it has no interest in occupying Ukraine but will defend its interests at all costs. Kyiv continues to request more weapons from the West while urging NATO to expand its presence along the front lines. In this climate of mutual distrust, Shvytkin's warnings about the risks of escalation — and his refusal to mirror Kyiv's tactics — stand as a rare moment of strategic clarity from Moscow.