'Hospital bombing is a war crime and Putin must pay'

Monsters of Mariupol: child, 6, is victim of bombing

- Nicholas Cecil and Wlll Stewart

RUSSIAN commanders suspected of shelling a hospital in Ukraine were today branded the “Monsters of Mariupol” as Britain declared the atrocity a war crime.

At least three people including a six-year-old child were killed, according to local officials.

Armed forces minister James Heappey said that military commanders involved in the attack, believed to have been carried out by Russia, would face charges for breaking the laws of war.

The destruction of the hospital, where women were waiting to give birth and which reportedly left children buried in the rubble, has sparked global outrage.

Speaking on Sky News, Mr Heappey said: “What you see on your TV screens is a war crime.

“Now, clearly there is evidence to be gathered to prove that it is a war crime and western countries are working together to make sure that that evidence is gathered in the best way so that people can be held to account.”

The World Health Organisation said it has confirmed 18 attacks on medical facilities since the Russian invasion began two weeks ago.

Sir Bob Neill MP, chairman of the Commons justice committee, told the Evening Standard: “Not just Putin must be brought to justice for these crimes, the same must apply to everyone down the chain of command who is responsible.

“That is what we did with Milosevic and his commanders, the Butchers of the Balkans, who were brought to justice...the same must happen to the Monsters of Mariupol.” Ukrainian officials said the attack at a medical complex in Mariupol killed three people, including a six-year-old, and wounded at least 17 people.