German interior minister describes Russian attack as a 'war crime'

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has strongly condemned the Russian airstrike on Kiev in which a paediatric hospital was damaged.

"The missile attack on a paediatric clinic is a terrible war crime that shows once again the inconceivable inhumanity with which Putin is waging his war against Ukraine," she said in a statement, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"When we see this cruelty of war it becomes clear how important it is that 1.18 million people from Ukraine have now found protection from Putin's missiles and tanks in Germany," she said. "This has saved many lives."

Faeser said that Germany would continue to protect the more than 350,000 children and young people who have taken refuge in the country.

She added that a total of 1,116 seriously wounded, injured and sick Ukrainians have now been evacuated to Germany during the war. "Many victims have lost limbs, they have gunshot wounds and blast injuries. They are receiving the best possible medical treatment in Germany," the minister said.

"Further evacuations are imminent. Our hospitals, aid organizations and authorities - coordinated by our Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance - are doing a great job here," she added.