Ukraine Faces Tragedy as Russian Strike Claims Lives Amid Air Defense Challenges
A devastating Russian missile strike in Chernihiv, Ukraine, resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives and left over 70 individuals injured. President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from such deadly attacks.
A Russian missile strike in the city of Chernihiv, northern Ukraine, resulted in the death and injury of over 70 people. President Volodomyr Zelensky mentioned that this attack could have been avoided if Ukraine had stronger air defenses.
According to Ukraine's emergency services, the strike led to the deaths of at least 14 individuals and left 61 others wounded, including two children. Rescue efforts are currently ongoing as authorities work to locate survivors trapped under the debris.
Three missiles struck the outskirts of Chernihiv, north of Kyiv, at around 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Ukrainian officials reported damage to an eight-story building, a four-story building, a hospital, and a higher education institute. The eight-story building, identified as Hotel Profspilkovyi, was geolocated by CNN.
Inside the hospital, video footage captured shattered glass on hospital beds and doors blown off their hinges. Staff were seen evacuating the smoke-filled corridors. Another video showed civilians seeking shelter near a bus stop as smoke billowed in the distance, with another missile hitting the buildings.
UKRAINKA, UKRAINE - APRIL 11: An aerial view of the destroyed engine room of Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) after rocket fire on April 11, 2024 in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine. After a Russian missile attack on Thursday night, Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP), Ukraine's largest power-generating plant in the Kyiv region, was reported completely destroyed. It supplied electricity to the regions of Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. No power cuts occurred in Kyiv or other supplied regions. Trypilska TPP was a 1800 MW thermal power station in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station was permanently disabled on April 11, 2024 after Russian missiles set fire to the main turbine hall. (Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
An aerial view of the destroyed engine room of Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine is shown in the photo. The plant was completely destroyed after a Russian missile attack on April 11, 2024. Trypilska TPP was the largest power-generating plant in the Kyiv region, supplying electricity to Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. Fortunately, there were no power cuts in Kyiv or the other supplied regions. The thermal power station, with a capacity of 1800 MW, was built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977. Sadly, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station was permanently disabled on April 11, 2024 when Russian missiles caused a fire in the main turbine hall.
Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
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Russia's attempt to disrupt Ukraine's power grid has resulted in casualties, including the tragic death of 25-year-old police lieutenant Alina Mykolayets. She was fatally injured by shrapnel while on sick leave at her home during the Russian attack, according to Chernihiv police.
Russia decided to launch a strike following President Zelensky's repeated warnings about Ukraine's lack of air defense capabilities to protect its airspace.
Zelensky expressed that the situation could have been avoided if Ukraine had been provided with enough air defense systems and if the international community had shown stronger determination to counter Russian aggression.
“The Ukrainian determination is sufficient. There must be equally sufficient determination from our partners and, as a result, sufficient support.”
More than 70 people were killed and injured in the Russian strike.
More than 70 people were killed and injured in the Russian strike.
Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
In a recent interview with PBS NewsHour, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine had run out of missiles to defend against a Russian airstrike. This attack destroyed the largest power plant in the Kyiv region.
The destruction of the Trypilska power plant showcased Russia's updated tactics in targeting Ukraine's power grid. They used numerous drones and missiles to bombard plants without air defenses, signaling a shift in their strategy.
To strengthen Ukraine's military, Zelensky recently approved a new law that revamps the country's mobilization regulations. This law mandates that all men aged 18 to 60 must enlist in Ukraine's military and keep their registration papers with them at all times.
However, the law does not include any provisions for releasing soldiers who have served extended periods in combat.
CNN’s Louis Mian and Darya Tarasova contributed reporting.
