Nine killed as Russia 'targets Ukraine hospitals and health facilities' - with country running low on medical supplies

The World Health Organization (WHO) says nine people have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukrainian hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Sixteen such attacks have taken place so far according to the WHO - including damage to buildings, as well as the commandeering or diversion of ambulances.

The organisation is warning medical supplies are running low in Ukraine - with a shortage of oxygen, insulin, surgical supplies and blood.

READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine war LIVE updates as civilians flee Ukrainian city where '21 killed overnight'

Experts also fear that Covid deaths could rise due to a lack of oxygen supply in Ukraine - with 731 coronavirus deaths reported last week.

At a press briefing this morning (March 8), Dr Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said: “It is now 13 days since the military offensive began in Ukraine, and today within the country we see a health system under severe pressure, and beyond its borders the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe for more than 75 years.

“Life-saving essential medicines, such as oxygen and insulin, personal protective equipment, surgical supplies, anaesthetics and safe blood products, are in short supply.”

Dr Kluge added that 76 tonnes of trauma and emergency health supplies are in transit in Ukraine, with more en route.

Earlier today, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky told citizens that a child had died from dehydration in Mariupol - which had been left with low water and supplies following recent attacks by Russia.

It comes as countries and businesses around the world continue to take steps against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, with a boycott of Russian oil being considered.

Shell says it will immediately stop buying Russian