Azad Hind Sarkar's Journey: A Tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on His Death AnniversaryChernihiv: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv fell victim to a devastating Russian missile strike that claimed the lives of seven individuals and left over 100 wounded on a fateful Saturday. This gruesome attack occurred during the Orthodox holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord, as citizens attended morning church services and embarked on their daily routines.

The United Nations swiftly decried this "heinous" assault, underscoring the brutal nature of the strike on the main square of a bustling city. Denise Brown, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, denounced the attack's timing, describing it as an affront to the peaceful morning activities of the city's residents. Brown condemned the recurrent pattern of Russian strikes on populated regions of Ukraine, highlighting that such actions run counter to international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian objects.

The aftermath of the attack revealed a scene of devastation, with a theater partially destroyed and cultural and educational institutions damaged. Audrey Azoulay, the Director General of UNESCO, expressed her deep shock and sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of Chernihiv. The city, boasting a thousand-year history, had even been a candidate for the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, further underscoring the gravity of the attack's impact.

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Situated 150 kilometers north of Kyiv and previously relatively untouched by major assaults since Russia's initial invasion, Chernihiv has now suffered the wrath of warfare once more. While fierce battles continue in other parts of Ukraine, this attack rekindles memories of the Russian army's incursion through the city during the early stages of the conflict in 2022, before their eventual retreat.

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Interior Minister Igor Klymenko reported that the toll from the attack included seven fatalities and 129 wounded, among them 15 children and 15 police officers. The pain was magnified by the inclusion of a six-year-old girl among the victims. Survivors recounted the terrifying moments as the strike occurred, with the city streets echoing with cries, screams, and confusion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his sorrow and condemnation for the attack, noting that the strike targeted a square housing a polytechnic university and a theater. The attack turned what should have been an ordinary Saturday into a day of anguish and loss, underscoring the ruthlessness of the conflict. As Zelensky conducted talks with Swedish officials, the focus turned to discussions of collaboration and strengthening Ukraine's capabilities.

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Meanwhile, on the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin's rare trip to Rostov-on-Don, a key hub for Moscow's operations in Ukraine, signaled the gravity of the situation. The Kremlin released limited details of Putin's meeting with top military officials, offering insight into the high-level discussions amidst the ongoing conflict. The footage of Putin's nighttime arrival and interactions with military leaders conveyed the intensity of the moment.

As both sides reported ongoing drone incursions and military clashes, the situation remains tense. Amidst the destruction and loss, Ukraine continues its determined counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territories, while Russia maintains its defensive stance. The tragic events in Chernihiv stand as a somber reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting resolution.