Russian Missile Strike on Chernihiv: Ten Dead
In a tragic incident, a Russian missile attack has claimed the lives of ten individuals in the city of Chernihiv, located in northern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have reported that more than 50 people were affected by the attack, which targeted an eight-storey building in a densely populated area. The strike, carried out by three missiles, hit close to the city center.
Ukrainian Strike on Russian Military Airfield in Crimea
Prior to the missile attack in Chernihiv, reports emerged of a Ukrainian strike on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea. Although details have yet to be confirmed, local social media channels shared videos depicting an apparent fire at the Dzhankoy airfield in northern Crimea.
Impact of the Attack in Chernihiv
Acting Mayor Oleksandr Lomako of Chernihiv revealed that one building bore the brunt of the Russian missile, resulting in severe damage to several floors. Videos from the scene captured the harrowing sight of people disembarking from a trolleybus and seeking cover amidst the chaos. Authorities have urged the public to come forward and donate blood to assist the injured.
Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Oleksiy Kuleba, disclosed that four high-rise buildings, a hospital, numerous vehicles, and a higher education institution were all damaged in the attack. Rescue and emergency services are tirelessly searching the rubble in the hopes of finding any additional victims.
President Zelensky’s Response
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his belief that the Russian strike could have been prevented if Ukraine possessed adequate air defense equipment. He reiterated his appeal to Ukraine’s western allies, urging them to provide support in this critical time.
Chernihiv’s proximity to the Russian border, being only 100km (60 miles) away, further highlights the vulnerability of the region. During the initial stages of the 2022 invasion, parts of the Chernihiv region were occupied by Russian forces for several weeks as they sought to capture Kyiv to the south. The city itself endured a month-long siege, resulting in approximately 70% destruction and the loss of hundreds of civilian lives.
This recent attack is not the first time Chernihiv has experienced the devastating impact of missile strikes. In August 2023, a missile attack targeted a theater in the city, claiming the lives of seven individuals.
Ukraine’s Declining Air Defenses
In a recent interview on US television, President Zelensky attributed Russia’s ability to destroy a key thermal power plant supplying Kyiv and other regions to Ukraine’s declining air defenses. He revealed that eleven missiles were fired at the Trypillya plant, with Ukrainian forces only managing to intercept and bring down seven of them. President Zelensky emphasized the dire need for missile supplies, as the country had exhausted its stockpile.
Ukraine has been eagerly awaiting a $60 billion (£48 billion) aid package from the United States, which has unfortunately been delayed due to objections from Republican lawmakers. President Zelensky drew attention to the international community’s swift assistance to non-NATO country Israel when it faced an Iranian missile attack, urging for the same level of political will to be shown towards Ukraine.
