russian army is knowingly dropping bombs on residential areas and shooting at civilians – mayor of Chernihiv

The next stage of the dialogue of Ukrainian mayors with people from local self-government of different countries

Vladislav Atroshenko: The most important thing I wanted to convey to the audience was that Russia was lying. They say they are at war with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For example, in Chernihiv, I want to note that Russia is destroying the civilian population. For three weeks in a row, the Russian army, which surrounded Chernihiv, has been using all kinds of weapons around the city. There were several terrible airstrikes. Just in the city, not directed at the military.

Undoubtedly, all the Russian troops who claimed they did not know where they were going are lying. They know where the bombs are dropped, they know who they’re shooting at – they know everything. There is evidence of this. For example, machine-gun fire on civilians. Automatic weapon provides a sight. This means that those who shoot see who they are shooting at. There were many shootings targeting civilians in Chernihiv.

The destruction following a month of active hostilities in Chernihiv:

• suburbs
• 60% of the Bobrovytsia microdistrict
• Kiinka microdistrict
• schools
• hospitals № 2, № 3;
• churches

Thousands of people have lost their homes. The Russian army is deliberately destroying the population. This is genocide.

In Chernihiv, 60 to 70% of people speak Russian or Surzhik. There are definitely no nationalists, fascists or any other malicious groups that the residents of Chernihiv need to be protected from.  

Currently, the city has about 100-110 thousand inhabitants formerly there were approximately 209 thousand. People choose to stay. We are in an operational environment. Logistics is almost non-existent. But people hold their ground, support the military and do not give up. And they never will.

• We will never give up our city. Why should we?

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