Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Ukraine, has condemned the Russian missile attack on Chernihiv on 19 August, saying such attacks reflect the depths to which Russia has sunk.

"Horrified by news of today’s daytime attack on the historic center of Chernihiv. Innocent men, women, and children enjoying a beautiful Saturday – a holiday in Ukraine – should never end up killed or wounded.

Russia’s missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s cities, ports, and people reflect the depths to which Russia has sunk and must stop. Together with the people of Ukraine, we mourn this tragedy," the ambassador added.

Horrified by news of today’s daytime attack on the historic center of Chernihiv. Innocent men, women, and children enjoying a beautiful Saturday – a holiday in Ukraine – should never end up killed or wounded. Russia’s missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s cities, ports, and…

— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) August 19, 2023

On the morning of 19 August, at 11:30, the Russian forces reportedly launched a missile attack on the Chernihiv Music and Drama Theatre when a gathering of drone manufacturers and aerial reconnaissance training schools was being held there as part of the Liuti Ptashky (Angry Birds) demo day.

The latest reports indicate that 117 people were injured in the attack, with seven killed. Chernihiv announced a mourning period from 19 to 21 August.