Russian attack kills at least 13 in Ukraine’s Chernihiv

According to reports from local authorities and emergency services in Chernihiv, a Russian missile strike hit the northern Ukrainian city on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 civilians. The attack also caused significant damage to various buildings and essential infrastructure within the city.

The precise location of the strike was not immediately clear, but emergency services reported that several residential buildings were among those affected. The extent of the damage to the infrastructure is not yet fully known, but it is believed to include power lines and water supply systems.

The attack comes as part of a continued barrage of Russian missile strikes against Ukrainian cities, which have left many areas without essential services such as electricity, water, and heat. The attacks have forced thousands to flee their homes in search of safety and shelter.

Ukrainian officials have intensified their calls for international support in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression. In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to take action to protect civilians and prevent further destruction. "The world must understand that silence is complicity," he said. "We need help now to save lives."

The United Nations and other international organizations have condemned the attacks and called for an immediate ceasefire. The European Union has also announced new sanctions against Russia in response to the violence.

Despite these calls for peace, fighting continues in various parts of Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of violating a ceasefire agreement reached in July 2020. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Since then, thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced.

The situation remains fluid, with developments unfolding rapidly on the ground. The international community will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond as necessary to protect civilians and promote peace in the region.