The tragedy could have been avoided if Ukraine had sufficient air defense systems, say politicians, deputies, law enforcement officers and top government officials.
Three ballistic missiles! Many dead and wounded! April 17, 2024 became a black day for Chernigov. An eight-story social infrastructure building was destroyed, 24 residential buildings, a hotel, a hospital and a higher education institution were damaged. President Vladimir Zelensky called on Western partners to provide more air defense systems.
All the details of the terrible tragedy in Chernigov are in Victoria Panchenko’s exclusive for TSN.UA.
Consequences of the attack on Chernigov
On the morning of April 17, the Russians launched missile attacks on Chernigov. They hit me with Iskanders. As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, death toll rises to 18, 77 injured, among whom were four children. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reports this.
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“Three people were rescued from the rubble. Psychological assistance was provided to 58 people. 1,580 tons of construction waste were removed, 71% of the destroyed part of the building was dismantled. Emergency rescue work continues,” the State Emergency Service reported.
From the first minutes after the impact, all necessary services were on site. An operational headquarters was created and tents were set up where the victims received all the necessary information.
Emergency rescue work at the site of the attack in Chernigov / Photo: State Emergency Service
Since April 18, a help center has been operating in the city, where people from damaged houses can go and receive financial assistance. This was announced by acting mayor Alexander Lomako.
Of course, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky also responded to the attack on Chernigov.
April 18 is a day of mourning in Chernigov
On April 18 at 9:00, the head of the Chernihiv Regional Police Department, Vyacheslav Chaus, announced the completion of the search and rescue operation. Unfortunately, the number of victims and wounded has increased. April 18 has been declared a day of mourning in Chernigov.
“The search and rescue operation has been completed. 18 dead, 78 wounded as a result of an enemy terrorist attack. 37 people are undergoing hospital treatment. All necessary assistance is provided in local health care institutions, and the necessary medications are provided. Thank you to the rescuers, police, doctors, utility workers and volunteers for their dedicated work,” Chaus said.
Among the dead is 25-year-old police officer Alina Nikolaevets. She died as a result of a shrapnel wound. At the time of the attack, the woman was at home on sick leave. The girl’s parents were left without a daughter.
Also, the body camera of one of the Chernigov patrolmen captured the first minutes after the “arrivals” in the city. The police officer immediately began providing assistance to the victims.
The attack hit almost the center of Chernigov, where many people were present at the time of the attack. As is known, it was direct hit to a social infrastructure building. The hospital and the central building of the Chernihiv Polytechnic were damaged.
Need more air defense
However, the tragedy in Chernigov could have been avoided if Ukraine had had enough air defense systems. Such statements are now heard from literally everyone: politicians, deputies, law enforcement officers and top officials of the state.
“Chernigov. The rescue operation continues after the Russian missile attack. People are under the rubble… Unfortunately, the number of deaths may increase. And this would not have happened if Ukraine had received enough air defense systems and if the world’s determination in countering Russian terror had also been sufficient. Terrorists are able to ruin lives only when they first manage to intimidate those who are able to stop terror and protect lives. Determination doesn’t matter. Support makes a huge difference. Ukrainian determination is enough. We need sufficient determination from partners and sufficient support that will reflect it,” Zelensky said.
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President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky / Photo: Website of the President of Ukraine
“The footage from Chernigov, where rescuers are pulling out from under the rubble city residents, children and adults, killed by Russian missiles, would have been impossible if Ukraine had enough funds against criminal enemy attacks. Counting the civilian Ukrainians who died in their cities, homes, and streets , increases hourly and every day. Ukraine stands between aggression and peace, without asking to stand in its place. But help her stand. Recovery for the wounded. Our grief is with the loved ones of the victims. And air defense for Ukraine. Faster,” said the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Appeal to the UN
Also, after the strike on Chernigov, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Sergei Kislitsa, once again stated in a written address to the leadership of the organization about war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Federation:
“I am writing to inform you of Russia’s ongoing terrorist attacks that are deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Russian forces fired 3 Iskander ballistic missiles. These attacks are further evidence of the terrorist nature of the Russian armed forces and associated armed groups identified in your annual report on children and armed conflict as state action that attacked schools and hospitals and killed children, in particular using wide-area explosive weapons, including heavy artillery fire, rocket launchers multiple launch rockets, missiles and air strikes on populated areas…”
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