Tragedy Strikes Chernihiv: Russian Missile Attack Kills Seven and Injures 129
CHERNIHIV, Ukraine – The historic city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine was struck by a Russian missile on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including a 6-year-old child, and leaving 129 others wounded, according to the interior ministry. The attack occurred as people were on their way to church to celebrate a religious holiday, causing shock and devastation among the community.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko revealed that among the wounded, 15 were children and 15 were police officers. The missile hit the central square of Chernihiv, causing significant damage to the polytechnic university and a theatre. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was on a working visit to Sweden, expressed his grief on Telegram, stating, “An ordinary Saturday, which Russia turned into a day of pain and loss.”
A video shared by President Zelenskiy showed the aftermath of the attack, with debris scattered across the square and parked cars heavily damaged. Tragically, a body was seen slumped inside a car. Ukrainian media reported that a public event featuring drone manufacturers was taking place inside the theatre at the time of the attack, highlighting the widespread use of drones by both sides in Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Chernihiv, known for its leafy boulevards and centuries-old churches, is located approximately 145 km (90 miles) north of the capital city, Kyiv. The neoclassical theatre, a prominent landmark in the city, suffered severe damage, with its roof torn off and neighboring apartment buildings and store fronts also affected by the blast.
The streets of Chernihiv were stained with blood trails and scattered with remnants of first-aid supplies used to treat the wounded. Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February last year, has seen Ukrainian cities far from the frontline targeted by missiles and drones.
In response to the attack, Kyiv’s air force announced that they had successfully shot down 15 out of 17 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Moscow in an overnight strike. Russia’s Defense Ministry, on the other hand, claimed to have destroyed a Ukrainian drone in the Belgorod region and jammed another near Moscow. A third drone struck a military airfield in the Novgorod region, damaging a warplane.
As investigations continue into the missile attack, Ukraine mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the ongoing conflict with Russia. The international community has condemned the attack and called for an end to the violence, urging both sides to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Additional reporting by Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv and Elaine Monaghan in Washington; Editing by Toby Chopra, Frances Kerry, and Alison Williams.
How is the international community responding to the missile attack on Chernihiv and what actions do they believe should be taken?
Ukraine’s Historic City of Chernihiv Suffers Tragic Loss in Russian Missile Attack: 7 Dead, 129 Injured
In a devastating event, the tranquil city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine was targeted by a Russian missile assault on Saturday. Reports from the interior ministry confirm that the attack claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a 6-year-old child, and left 129 others wounded. The horrifying incident unfolded as residents were making their way to a local church to observe a religious holiday, plunging the community into a state of shock and grief.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko disclosed that out of the injured, 15 were children while another 15 were dedicated police officers. The missile struck the heart of Chernihiv, inflicting considerable damage on the polytechnic university and a renowned theatre. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who happened to be on an official visit to Sweden at the time, expressed his profound sorrow on social media platform Telegram. He wrote, “What was meant to be an ordinary Saturday, Russia has transformed into a day of immense pain and unfathomable loss.”
A video clip circulating on various platforms portrays the chaotic aftermath of the missile attack. The footage demonstrates the gravity of the incident and highlights the urgent need for support and assistance for the affected community. The international community has also voiced its concern and condolences, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough investigation into the incident and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
As the city of Chernihiv mourns its tragic losses, efforts are being made to provide medical aid and support to the injured and their families. Local authorities and organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that those affected receive the care they need during this difficult time.
