Russian forces launched three missile strikes on Chernihiv on April 17, targeting almost the center of the city. There are civilian casualties and many wounded reported.
This information was reported by Vyacheslav Chaus, the head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, and Alexander Lomak, the acting mayor of Chernihiv.
Chaus stated, "The enemy carried out three missile strikes almost in the center of the city. There are civilian casualties, and many are wounded. Rescue workers and our medical staff are currently working. They are providing all necessary assistance."
According to Lomak, the strike targeted civilian and social infrastructure objects in Chernihiv.
"Hospitals are operating in enhanced mode and are already receiving the first casualties," he noted.
Later, Chaus appealed for blood donations due to shortages caused by the heavy shelling of the city.
According to Lomak, at 9:03 a.m., three explosions occurred in the city, including in a densely populated area.
"There was a direct hit on a building of social infrastructure. It's an 8-story building. Visually, elements of the walls from the 6th floor - from the third to the sixth floor - and an extension to it were destroyed," he added.
Additionally, nearby buildings were damaged, and many cars in this area were affected.
"It's a social urban infrastructure area. It's a densely populated area, an intersection of two streets. That's why there was a lot of traffic there at that time," noted the acting mayor of Chernihiv.
In addition, local media report problems with electricity in the city. This was confirmed by Lomak, who noted that currently, the consequences of the "hits" are being addressed, so all utilities - electricity, gas - have been disconnected in the area of impact.
"This is done to prevent further destruction. In general, these are objects that are not related to critical infrastructure, so it does not affect anything. Of course, there will be problems in this area for some time. Right now, the main task is the search operation... There is quite a lot of destruction in this area. So, I think there is still a lot of work to be done," he said.
"Unfortunately, we already know about five fatalities. The search operation is still ongoing. I remind you that all services are working on-site, and the main task is to assist the injured," Lomak noted.
As of 10:40, there are already 8 fatalities and 18 injured as a result of the Russian missile strikes on Chernihiv.