The tragedy could have been avoided if Ukraine had enough air defense equipment, say politicians, deputies, law enforcement officers, and state leaders.
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 Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western partners to provide more air defense equipment.
All the details of the terrible tragedy in Chernihiv are in an exclusive article by Victoria Panchenko for TSN.UA.
Consequences of the attack on Chernihiv
On the morning of April 17, the Russians launched rocket attacks on Chernihiv. They were “Iskanders”. As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, the number of dead increased to 18, 77 people were injured, among which were four children. This is reported by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
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“Three people were rescued from the rubble. Psychological assistance was provided to 58 people. 1,580 tons of construction debris were removed, 71% of the destroyed part of the building was dismantled. Emergency and rescue operations are ongoing,” the State Emergency Service reported.
From the first minutes after the impact, all the necessary services worked at the site. An operational headquarters was created, tents were set up in which the victims received all the necessary information.
Emergency and rescue work at the site of the attack in Chernihiv / Photo: DSNS
Since April 18, a relief center has been operating in the city, where people from damaged houses can apply and receive material assistance. This was announced by acting mayor Oleksandr Lomako.
Of course, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi also reacted to the attack on Chernihiv.
April 18 is a day of mourning in Chernihiv
On April 18, at 9:00 a.m., the head of Chernihiv OVA Vyacheslav Chaus announced the completion of the search and rescue operation. Unfortunately, the number of victims and wounded has increased. April 18 was declared a day of mourning in Chernihiv.
“The search and rescue operation has been completed. 18 killed, 78 wounded as a result of the enemy’s terrorist attack. 37 people are receiving inpatient treatment. All the necessary help is provided in local health care institutions, the necessary medicines are provided. I thank the rescuers, the police, doctors, utility workers and volunteers for their selfless work,” Chaus said.
Among the dead is 25-year-old police officer Alina Mykolaets. 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 their daughter.
Also, the first minutes after the “arrivals” in the city were caught on the body camera of one of the Chernihiv patrolmen. The policeman immediately began to provide assistance to the injured.
The strike was almost in the center of Chernihiv, where many people were present at the time of the attack. As you know, it was a direct hit to the social infrastructure building. The hospital and the central building of the Chernihiv Polytechnic were damaged.
More air defense is needed
However, the tragedy in Chernihiv could have been avoided if Ukraine had enough air defense equipment. Such statements are now coming from the mouths of literally everyone: politicians, deputies, law enforcement officers and the first persons of the state.
“Chernihiv. A rescue operation is underway after a Russian missile attack. People are under rubble…Unfortunately, the death toll may rise. And this would not have happened if Ukraine had received enough air defense equipment and if the world’s determination to counter Russian terror was also sufficient. Terrorists can destroy lives only when they first manage to intimidate those who are able to stop terror and protect life. Determination matters. Support matters. Ukrainian determination is enough. We need sufficient determination of partners and sufficient support that will reflect it,” Zelenskyi said.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Photo: Website of the President of Ukraine
“The footage from Chernihiv, where the rescuers are pulling out from under the rubble city residents, children and adults, killed by Russian missiles, would not be possible if Ukraine had enough means against criminal enemy attacks. The number of peaceful Ukrainians who died in their cities, homes, on their streets, increases every hour and every day. Ukraine stands between aggression and the world, not asking to stand in its place. But help her stand. Recovery of the wounded. Our sorrow is with the relatives of the victims. And air defense for Ukraine. As soon as possible,” the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said.
Appeal to the UN
Also, after the attack on Chernihiv, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsia, once again stated in a written address to the leadership of the organization about the 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 launched 3 Iskander ballistic missiles. These attacks are another proof 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, including using wide-area explosive weapons, including heavy artillery fire, rocket systems of salvo fire, rockets and airstrikes on populated areas…”
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