Latest news on the war between Russia and Ukraine: At least 31 dead in rocket attacks | News on the war between Russia and Ukraine

As the rockets hit Kyiv, Pavlo Holoviy rushed to the children’s hospital where his son was recovering from surgery. When he arrived, smoke was still rising from the rubble.

The 37-year-old said it was “impossible to express his feelings” after finding his wife and son safe and sound.

“To be honest, my main concern was to see my wife and child, I didn’t pay attention to the rest,” said Holoviy.

Patients, staff and family members rushed to the basement after an air raid siren went off, said 40-year-old Natalia Svidler, whose daughter is scheduled to undergo surgery at the hospital later this week.

“Of course, everyone was very scared. Everyone started screaming and running. For some reason we always thought that Okhmatdyt (hospital) was safe,” said Nina, a 68-year-old hospital worker.

“We were 100 percent sure (the Russians) wouldn’t strike here,” she said, describing the frantic rush as staff brought children with IVs into the basement. “I would rather be killed, I’ve already lived. But why these children?”