US citizens ‘killed in Chernihiv’ as Russians shell city, Ukraine police claim

Governor of Chernihiv earlier said city experiencing ‘colossal losses and destruction’

US citizens have reportedly been killed in the city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine following a “heavy artillery attack” on Wednesday.

Local police wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday that officers “are documenting the consequences of enemy shelling of civilians in the centre of Chernihiv.”

“Today, the occupiers once again carried out a heavy artillery attack on unarmed civilian residents of the city,” the post from Chernihiv regional police claims.

“There are dead and wounded people. Among the dead – US citizens.

“Police officers are helping to evacuate affected citizens to medical facilities. Chernihiv police investigators are working at the scene. Law enforcement officers are carefully documenting all the circumstances and consequences of Russian war crimes.”

The Independent has approached Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence regarding the claim.

The historical building of Ukraine Hotel after recent shelling in Chernihiv, Ukraine (EPA)

While the US state department has not yet confirmed the report, it did say it was aware of the claim.

A state department spokesperson told The Independent: “We are aware of reports of the death of a US citizen in Ukraine on 17 March. We are monitoring the situation closely but cannot confirm these reports at this time. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of all whose lives have been lost in this unprovoked and unjustified war. We have no further comment at this time.”

It comes as the governor of Chernihiv on Thursday said the city has experienced “colossal losses and destruction” amid relentless bombardment from Russian artillery and airstrikes.

Viacheslav Chaus, governor of the Chernihiv regional state administration, reacts during a video statement, with Hotel Ukraine and other damaged buildings in the background (VIACHESLAV CHAUS VIA REUTERS)

Viacheslav Chaus told Ukrainian broadcasters that the corpses of 53 people “killed by the Russian aggressor from the ground or from the air” had been transported to city morgues over the course of a single day.

Mr Chaus also claimed civilians were hiding in basements and shelters without access to utilities.

“The city has never known such nightmarish, colossal losses and destruction,” he said.

Handout satellite photo issued by Maxar Technologies dated 16/03/22 showing burning homes in residential area of Chernihiv, Ukraine. (PA)

On Wednesday, the general prosecutor’s office said that 10 people were killed in Chernihiv while waiting in line for bread. Russia has denied any involvement.

Satellite images from the Maxar space technology company showed Russian self-propelled artillery and multiple-rocket launchers deployed on the outskirts of Chernihiv, their barrels and tubes aimed at the city.

This map shows the extent of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (Press Association Images)

Chernihiv, which is close to the borders with Belarus and Russia, is home to more than 280,000 people. It was one of the first major Ukrainian cities to be targeted by Russian attacks after it launched its invasion of the country on 24 February.