At least 16 killed in Russian missile attack on Chernihiv city in Ukraine

A Russian missile attack on the historic city of Chernihiv in Ukraine left at least 16 dead and dozens injured. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack on Wednesday, April 29, destroyed several buildings and damaged urban infrastructure. As Russian airstrikes intensify and Ukrainian cities face a severe need for air defense, Kyiv officials have increased their requests for international support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hours after the attack, called for serious support from allies. He wrote in a message on Telegram: 'If Ukraine had received sufficient air defense equipment and the world's will to confront Russian terror was strong enough, this would not have happened.' This shortage of ammunition for Ukraine comes as the approval of a U.S. aid package for the country remains unresolved in the U.S. Congress, and the European Union has also failed to deliver the necessary weapons to Kyiv. According to Alexander Lymak, the deputy mayor of Chernihiv, the Russian attack was accompanied by three large explosions in a busy area of the city, destroying a multi-story building. He told Ukrainian television: 'Unfortunately, Russia continues its terrorist activities against civilians and civilian infrastructure.' According to Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, at least 16 people were killed and over 69 injured, including several children, in this attack. He further noted that rescue operations are ongoing, indicating the possibility of increased casualties. The attack damaged several residential buildings, a hospital, an educational center, and numerous private vehicles. Unverified social media videos show flames and columns of black smoke rising over the city, located about 150 kilometers from Kyiv. Moscow denies targeting civilians, but hundreds of civilians have been killed in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages. In recent weeks, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting power plants and other critical infrastructure.