‘Many dead’ after missile attack in Chernihiv region, says Zelensky

In the Chernihiv region, north of Kiev, the village of Desna was hit by Russian missiles on Thursday, leaving many dead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening speech.

Desna is about 64 kilometers from the Belarus border.

“Russian attacks in the Chernihiv region, in particular the terrible blow at Desna, there is an analysis of wreckage, many dead,” Zelensky said.

There are “constant attacks in the Odesa region, in the cities of central Ukraine, Donbass is completely destroyed – all this has and cannot have any military explanation for Russia,” he continued.

“This is a deliberate and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible,” he said.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces continue to advance in the liberation of the Kharkiv region, Zelensky said.

“In Donbass, the occupiers are trying to increase the pressure. There is hell, and that is no exaggeration. The brutal and absolutely senseless bombing of Severodonetsk… There were 12 dead and dozens wounded in just one day,” he continued.

“The bombings and projectiles of other cities, the air and missile attacks by the Russian army – all this is not just fighting during the war.”

“This is a deliberate and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible. Destroy as many houses, social facilities and businesses as possible. This is what will qualify the genocide of the Ukrainian people and for which the occupiers will definitely be brought to justice,” he added.

“The first trial in Ukraine against a Russian war criminal has begun. And it will end with the full restoration of justice within the international court. I’m sure of it. We will find and bring to justice all those who give and carry out criminal orders,” he concluded.