Three killed as Russia deliberately bombs schools in Ukraine’s Novhorod-Siverskyi - First Lady

Three people were killed and 12 others sustained injuries as a result of a Russian air strike overnight Thursday which targeted a secondary school and a boarding school in Novhorod-Siverskyi, Chernihiv region. 

Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska delivered the news on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

“Tonight, a Russian warplane fired missiles at secondary and boarding schools in Novhorod-Siverskyi, Chernihiv region. Rescuers are currently working at the scene, but three victims and 12 injured persons have already been confirmed. This was a deliberate bombing. The Russians, who claim to be attacking only military facilities, are waging war against our children. In fact, they are waging war against our future," said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady recalled that, in early May, the Russian invaders burnt down a historical gymnasium in Lysychansk, Luhansk region, which had been built by the Belgians over a hundred years ago. She also mentioned an air strike on the school in Bilohorivka, Luhansk region, which allegedly claimed the lives of 60 civilians. The school basement served as the only remaining shelter for the locals. 

The First Lady added that 1,635 educational facilities across Ukraine were affected by bombardments and shelling, with 126 establishments being completely destroyed, according to the Ukrainian Education Ministry. She noted that the Education Ministry had drawn up a map of such facilities.

"Whether Russia's actions in Ukraine are genocide is currently being discussed around the world. Instead of answering, look at this map. Every day a new school or kindergarten, which was deliberately destroyed by the Russians with unprecedented cynicism, previously unheard, appears here,” the First Lady emphasized.

As reported, on the night of May 12, Russian aircraft attacked Novhorod-Siverskyi in Chernihiv region.