Russian missile strike on April 17: search and rescue operation completed in Chernihiv

Viacheslav Chaus, the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, reported that 18 people were killed and 78 wounded in the Russian missile attack on the city. There are 37 people in hospital.

Previously, the State Emergency Service reported that 17 people were killed in the Russian strike on Chernihiv, two of them died in hospital. Three children were among the 60 injured. Three more people were rescued from the rubble. Psychologists of the State Emergency Service provided counseling to 58 people.

The acting mayor of Chernihiv, Secretary of the City Council Oleksandr Lomako said that April 18 was declared a Day of Mourning to commemorate the victims of the deadly attack.

Earlier, Ivan Vashchenko, deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, told Espreso that the search and rescue operation is ongoing.

"Rescuers are working, dismantling the rubble, all relevant services are working. The headquarters has been deployed. We are currently going door-to-door and establishing the number of people who need help. Special and construction equipment has been deployed. It's too early to talk about people trapped under the rubble, the work is ongoing," he said.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported that as of 11:35 am, the death toll has climbed to 11, with 22 people sustaining injuries. Additionally, there are reports of at least three individuals missing, with some still trapped beneath the debris. 

Among the deceased is a 25-year-old police lieutenant, who resided in a nearby residence and was recuperating at home on sick leave. She succumbed to injuries from shrapnel wounds.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 20 injured and 10 dead: "Unfortunately, the death toll may rise. And this would not have happened if Ukraine had received enough air defense equipment and if the world's determination to counter Russian terror had been sufficient."

Vyacheslav Chaus, the head of the Regional Military Administration, said on the United News telethon that the death toll in Chernihiv had risen to 9. According to Chaus, more than 20 people were injured.

"As of 10:40 am, there are already 8 dead and 18 injured as a result of Russian missile strikes on Chernihiv. The search and rescue operation is ongoing," said Oleksandr Lomako, acting mayor of Chernihiv and secretary of the city council.

As of 10 am, 4 people were reported dead as a result of the strike on Chernihiv, Lomako said on the United News telethon.

Vyacheslav Chaus, the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, reported that Russian missile attacks had targeted Chernihiv. He stated that as a consequence, there were casualties and injuries.

At the same time, the Chernihiv Regional Blood Center published a post about the urgent need for blood: "Urgent! We really need your help! Especially negative Rh!"

The acting mayor of Chernihiv and secretary of the city council, Oleksandr Lomako, said that the missile hit a social infrastructure facility. He emphasized that all responsible services are at the site of the hit. Hospitals are working in emergency mode and are already receiving the first victims. 

The head of the Regional Military Administration reported that Russia carried out three missile strikes targeting the central area of the city. He stated, "There are civilian casualties, with many wounded. Rescue teams and our medical personnel are currently engaged in response efforts."

Explosions in Odesa

At about 09:30 am, the Air Force reported a threat of ballistic missile attacks. At 09:36 am, Suspilne TV reported explosions in Odesa.

Southern defense forces reported that Russia attacked the infrastructure of the Odesa region with ballistic missiles in the morning.

However, there were no casualties.

Reactions from the world

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the Russian shelling of Chernihiv and called for Ukraine to be given "everything they asking for."

“Yet again we start the day with news of missile strikes, destruction & killed civilians in Ukraine. It would not be like this if Ukraine would be given everything they are asking for to protect their skies & push back Russia's relentless aggression,“ the press service said in a statement on social network X. 

German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger emphasized that Ukraine needs more air defense systems: "Russia is terrorizing the civilian population. We need more air defense systems. Germany is providing an additional Patriot system. Other countries should join in."

• At night, Russia attacked the town of Bilopillya, Sumy region. A man was injured.