Seven people died, including a 6-year-old girl, 144 were injured and 41 were hospitalized after a Russian missile hit a central square in Chernihiv, the historic city in northern Ukraine on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said.
“I am sure that our soldiers will respond to Russia for this terrorist attack,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his routine evening speech via video, Sunday (20/8).
Zelenskyy issued his statement at the end of a trip to Sweden. “What a resounding reply.”
Zelenskyy said of the 144 people injured, 15 were children. He also revealed that the girl who died was identified as Sofia.
The other 15 injured were policemen, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said via the Telegram text messaging app. Klymenko said most of the victims were in vehicles, crossing the street or returning from church.
Regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said 41 people were hospitalized on Saturday (19/8).
Zelenskyy said the attack on Chernihiv, which coincided with the Orthodox Christian holiday, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The city, which is 145 kilometers to the north of Kyiv, is dotted with tree-lined shady streets and centuries-old churches.
Debris was strewn around the square across from the damaged theatre. The surrounding buildings where many vehicles were parked were also damaged.
The roof of the neoclassical theater building was also torn apart.
Russia is already attacking Ukrainian cities far from the front lines with missiles and drones as part of the invasion that started in February 2022.
Chaus said people returning from church and other passersby were among those injured when the missile hit the theater hosting the meeting.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating how the Russians got wind of the event, which Chaus said was attended by representatives from business and the community. But Ukrainian media reported that the event was also attended by drone manufacturers. Both sides are already using drones on the battlefield.
Event organizers said all participants, including technicians, military personnel and volunteers, were asked to take cover in air raid shelters inside the theater when the alarm sounded. However, some people even left the building.
“Everyone taking shelter is safe,” said Maria Berlinska, founder of the Dignitas Fund, via Facebook. Dignitas Fund organizes fundraising events, including for the procurement of drones for frontline use.
Source : VOA News
