The death toll from a Russian missile strike on the city of Chernihiv on April 17 has climbed to 18, according to the State Emergency Service.

The attack, which occurred on April 17, also left at least 78 people injured, including four children. Search and rescue operations concluded around 9:15 am local time on April 18.

The missile strike devastated the city, destroying an eight-story building and damaging four high-rises, a hospital, a university, and numerous vehicles.

Chernihiv, located in northern Ukraine near the Russian border, was partially occupied by Russian forces at the outset of the war in February 2022. Although Russian troops withdrew from the region in April 2022, Chernihiv Oblast has faced near-daily attacks due to its proximity to the border. (ILKHA)