At least 13 people have lost their lives in a devastating missile attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. Officials report that the assault also left more than 60 individuals injured, triggering urgent pleas for air defense assistance from Ukraine’s allies. The attack, which occurred just after 9 am local time, caused significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and municipal infrastructure.
Acting Mayor Oleksandr Lomako described the harrowing scene, recounting three explosions that rocked a bustling area of the city. In the chaos that followed, people fled for cover, while emergency services and medics rushed to aid the wounded.
Chernihiv, situated approximately 150km north of Kyiv, lies near the border with Russia and Belarus and is home to around 250,000 residents.
Russian officials have remained silent on the matter, denying allegations of targeting civilians. The assault underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to condemn the attack, emphasizing the need for increased air defense support. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s plea for assistance, stating that such tragedies could have been prevented with adequate international support.
Chernihiv. A rescue operation is underway following a Russian missile strike. There are people under the rubble. As of now, 20 people are reported to have been injured and ten killed. My condolences to their close ones.
Unfortunately, the death toll may still rise. This would… pic.twitter.com/0t7QybrNk6
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2024
The delay in the approval of an aid package by the United States has exacerbated Ukraine’s challenges. The package, which includes roughly $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, has been stalled in the US House of Representatives. Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to expedite the process, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
The Institute for the Study of War warns that Russian forces are transitioning from positional warfare to more agile maneuvers due to delays in US military assistance to Ukraine. Without swift intervention, Ukrainian troops may struggle to maintain their defensive positions against Russian aggression.
Germany has pledged additional support by providing a Patriot air defense system and missiles to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the assistance, highlighting its significance during this critical juncture. However, the broader international community’s response remains crucial in addressing Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems amidst escalating hostilities.
Comments