A Russian strike targeted Chernihiv, Northern Ukraine. As of 0639 EST, reports from Ukrainian authorities indicate that the attacks resulted in at least 13 fatalities and approximately 60 injuries, with local officials warning that the casualty count could rise.
At approximately 0148 EST, air raid alarms began to operate in Kyiv and the Kyiv Oblast, before extending to the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, Northern Ukraine. The strikes targeted various locations including a social infrastructure building. Chernihiv’s mayor, Oleksandre Lomako, reported that three explosions struck Chernihiv city center.
In response to the crisis, utilities such as electricity and gas were cut off to prevent additional hazards, and a headquarters has been set up to coordinate the necessary aid. The Governor of the Chernihiv Oblast has called on residents to donate blood to help the injured.
These incidents are part of a broader shelling, with explosions also reported across the country, in Ukrainian cities such as Kryvyi Rih and Odesa.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the Russian military claims to avoid targeting residential and social infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted a shortage of anti-air defenses, attributing the heavy toll to insufficient international military support, particularly in air defense systems.
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 / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2024
