| 19 August 2023 Chernihiv bombing | |
| Partof: | Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Location: | Chernihiv, Ukraine |
| Date: | 19 August 2023 |
| Type: | Airstrike |
| Fatalities: | 7 |
| Injuries: | 144+ |
On 19 August 2023, Russian military forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile at the Taras Shevchenko Theater in downtown Chernihiv, Ukraine.
The theater was hosting an exhibition on the use of consumer drones in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, titled "Lyuti Ptashky" (Angry Birds), which was described by its organisers as "a closed meeting of engineers, military and volunteers."[1] Governor of Chernihiv Oblast, Vyacheslav Chaus, announced that 7 were dead, including a 6-year-old girl. Another 144 were injured, including 15 children and 15 policemen,[2] with 41 injuries being grievous and requiring medical evacuations to a hospital.[3] [4] [5] [6]
Earlier in the day Russian President, Vladimir Putin, met with his top generals in Rostov-on-Don while President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was in Sweden for discussions of the import of Saab JAS 39 Gripens to Ukraine. In an address, Zelenskyy called the attack "vile" and that “I am sure our soldiers will give a response to Russia for this terrorist attack,” promising a “a notable response” to Russia in the coming days.
Chernihiv was besieged in the early stages of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, until April 2022, but was relatively peaceful afterwards up until the missile strike. Mayor Oleksandr Lomako announced a three day of mourning in the city for the victims of the attack.[7] The strike occurred during the Orthodox holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and certain locals were going to morning church services in Chernihiv. UN's humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, condemned Russia for attacking civilians: "I condemn this repeated pattern of Russian strikes on populated areas of Ukraine... Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law".[8]