Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable following a devastating missile strike on a theatre in Chernihiv.

The strike resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, including that of a six-year-old girl named Sofia.

Zelensky, in a somber address to the nation, declared that Ukrainian soldiers would deliver a “notable response” to what he characterized as a “terrorist attack” by Russia. This horrific incident also left at least 148 individuals wounded, including 15 children, with at least 25 civilians requiring hospital treatment as of last night.

United Nations officials have condemned the missile strike as “heinous.”

Seven dead

In his nightly video statement, President Zelensky expressed his condolences, stating, “Unfortunately, seven people lost their lives, including a six-year-old girl named Sofia. My heart goes out to their grieving families. I am confident that our soldiers will respond resolutely to Russia for this terrorist attack, and our response will be substantial.”

Earlier on the fateful Saturday, Zelensky had conveyed the grim news online, saying, “A Russian missile struck right in the heart of our city, Chernihiv. It targeted a square, the polytechnic university, and a theatre. Russia turned an ordinary Saturday into a day of anguish and sorrow.”

Accompanying Zelensky’s message was a brief video that revealed the aftermath of the strike, with debris strewn across a square in front of the theatre, and damaged parked vehicles.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence issued a statement, noting, “Seven people have tragically lost their lives, and medical professionals are working tirelessly to save the wounded. Despite the destruction of the theatre, our determination has only grown stronger, and we remain unwavering in our quest for victory. Evil will be met with justice, and no act of terror can deter our resolve.”

Bomb shelters

The theatre, targeted during the missile attack, had been hosting an assembly of drone manufacturers earlier that morning. Fortunately, everyone inside managed to reach bomb shelters after air raid sirens sounded. Most casualties occurred among individuals crossing the road, commuting in their vehicles, or returning from church services.

Disturbing scenes of bloodied civilians walking across the square were witnessed, with survivors offering support to each other as rescue efforts were initiated. Anna Zahreba, a restaurant manager at the scene, recounted, “Two 12-year-old girls were here, and there was a lot of blood. One of them had a severely wounded leg, and another was in distress. We applied a tourniquet and waited for an ambulance.”

Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator, decried the attack, stating, “It is heinous to strike the main square of a major city in the morning while people are out walking, some heading to church to celebrate a religious day for many Ukrainians.”