Governor: Chernihiv under fire everyday, more than 500 people have been killed

The Chernihiv region is under fire from Russia and Belarus every day, Viacheslav Chaus, head of the Chernihiv regional administration (governor) of Ukraine told Report.

"I do not see them as two different countries. Unfortunately, today they are our enemies since Belarus has also allowed Russia to use its territory, and from there, Russian planes take off and launch missiles into Ukraine. Many say the war began in the Chernihiv Oblast. I do not agree with that at all. Because, first of all, the war is going on not only in the oblast but in the whole country. As long as there is one Russian soldier in the country, missiles will continue to fly over our heads, in other words, the war will continue. It is dangerous to be in any city or settlement during this period. More than 3,500 properties have been destroyed or damaged during the Russians' stay in Chernihiv. These properties include both residential real estate and office buildings. More than 95% of them are civilian properties that have nothing to do with military facilities. The enemy has deliberately launched air, bomb, and artillery strikes on the civilian infrastructure of our region," Chaus said.

The governor stressed that more than 300 people died in the city of Chernihiv, more than 500 people in the oblast as a whole, and about 1,500 people were injured:

"I can not say the exact number of those killed because we continue to find new bodies. Almost all areas where the Russian army is located are 'polluted'. There are remnants of mines and unexploded ordnance everywhere. Numerous missile strikes and even banned cluster bombs have been fired, and Russian troops have laid mines around as they leave the province. That is why our rescuers are now clearing the area of ​​mines. Of course, we started with the most critical infrastructure - roads, settlements, electricity, and other networks. We still have mined lands and forests because they are not a priority yet. So, a lot of work is being done on demining. But it is still impossible to avoid tragic situations. These days, a tractor driver was hit by mine and died while working in his field. We have maps of where they were when they invaded our province. Rescuers and pyrotechnics go to those areas and clear mines. Where there is aggressor Russia, mines are found with a rate of almost 100%. We know where they are, and it is nearly two-thirds of the province's territory."

According to him, the region and our border areas with Russia come under mortar fire every day: "As you know, last week a rocket hit the town of Desna, killing 87 people. In addition, a rocket fire in the city of Chernihiv killed 53 people. I want everyone to understand that Russia's aggression is not only against Ukraine but the entire civilized world. The whole world must realize that if the common enemy is not defeated today, the danger will be inevitable for every country."