The international non-governmental organization Amnesty International recognized the airstrike of the occupiers on Chernihiv as a war crime. As a result of the terrible actions of the Russians, 47 civilians were killed.

The press service of Amnesty International reported this. The organization's specialists investigated the attack on a small public square in the city, which occurred around 12:15 on Thursday, March 3.

Then, between the streets of Vyacheslav Chornovil and Kruglova, several bombs fell, resulting in civilians being killed and nearby buildings being seriously damaged.

The organization's crisis response team concluded that Russian aircraft most likely carried out the attack using at least eight unguided aerial bombs.

This was a merciless, indiscriminate attack on people as they went about their daily business in their homes, streets and shops

Joanna Mariner, Amnesty International director of crisis response

According to her, this attack is one of the deadliest Ukrainians have ever experienced. Amnesty International was unable to identify a legitimate military target at or near the impact site.

In this regard, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court should investigate this airstrike as a war crime. Those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable and victims and their families must receive full reparations.

“The air strike that hit the streets of Chernihiv shocks the conscience. This was a merciless, indiscriminate attack on people as they went about their daily business in their homes, streets and shops,” said Joanne Mariner, Amnesty International’s Crisis Response Director.

“This shocking attack is one of the deadliest that the people of Ukraine have endured yet. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court should investigate this air strike as a war crime. Those responsible for such crimes must be brought to justice, and victims and their families must receive full reparation.”

“Everything started to suddenly crumble and fall. The children screamed. For several seconds, it was like there was silence and time stood still. Then I dragged my children out from under the rubble. Blood was flowing down me, and I dragged my children out.

“Everything was destroyed, and the door [to their building] was knocked off. Not a single window was left, and some balconies were totally torn off. There is not a scratch on the children. It’s a miracle… [there was] only my blood on them.”

The Chernihiv Regional Administration reported that 47 people (38 men and nine women) were killed in the strike. Verified footage of the strike shows eight munitions being dropped in close succession and falling in a line, as is typical in a bombing run. 

Amnesty International was not able to identify a legitimate military target at, or close to, the scene of the strike. Satellite imagery from 28 February shows a queue of people outside the building that was impacted by the strike. Based on this imagery and testimony gathered from witnesses, Amnesty International believes the majority of victims were queuing for food when the missiles struck.

All states should cooperate with the ICC and the new Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council to help ensure accountability for grave violations and crimes such as this attack. Victims of this conflict must have justice

Joanna Mariner, Amnesty International director of crisis response