17 Killed In Deadly Russian Missile Attack In Chernihiv; Zelensky Urges Allies To Strengthen Ukraine's Air Defences

President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed Ukraine's lack of air defences for the loss of life.

Kyiv: A devastating missile attack rocked the bustling downtown area of Chernihiv in Ukraine on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals and leaving numerous others wounded. Ukrainian officials, as reported by The New York Times, confirmed the grim toll, cautioning that the number of casualties might rise in the aftermath of the assault. President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the nation amidst the tragedy, lamented the absence of robust air defence systems in Ukraine, attributing the loss of lives to this critical deficiency. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced international support to counter the escalating threat posed by Russian aggression. 

In a statement, Zelenskyy said, "This would not have happened if Ukraine had received enough air defence equipment and if the world's determination to counter Russian terror was also sufficient," according to The New York Times report. He said, "Terrorists can destroy lives only when they first manage to intimidate those who are able to stop terror and protect life." The district where the missiles hit is a crowded part of the city near a university and hospital.

Three Russian missiles crashed into Ukraine's historic city of Chernigiv on Wednesday, killing 17 people. Zelensky, urging allies to help bolster Ukraine's air defences, said his country lacked the weapons it needed to intercept the missiles, reports AFP — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024

The targeted district, situated close to a university and hospital, bore the brunt of the missile strikes, plunging the community into chaos and despair. Describing the harrowing scenes, Chernihiv city government official Oleksandr Lomako recounted witnessing lifeless bodies strewn across the streets and vehicles stained with blood, reflecting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized to scour the debris for any remaining survivors, underscoring the urgent requirement for bolstered air defence capabilities and munitions to safeguard civilian lives against future onslaughts.

Chernihiv, situated on the border with Russia, has frequently been subjected to aerial bombardments, highlighting the persistent threat posed by neighbouring aggressors. Despite previous successes in repelling Russian forces and fortifying air defences, recent events underscore the precariousness of the security situation in the region.

Amidst the chaos, the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on, with skirmishes erupting across the frontlines. Russian forces, intent on gaining strategic footholds, continue their advance, posing a grave threat to key urban centres still under Ukrainian control.

The suspension of US military assistance has exacerbated Ukraine's vulnerability, leaving critical air defence systems depleted of ammunition. Faced with dwindling resources, Ukrainian forces are compelled to confront the relentless onslaught with dwindling supplies and mounting casualties.

President Zelensky, in a candid interview with PBS, lamented the consequences of delayed international support, warning of the dire implications for Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian aggression. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the nation grapples with the existential threat posed by a resurgent adversary bent on territorial expansion.