The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, strongly condemned the missile attack by the Russian Federation on the humanitarian mission of a Danish organization operating in the Chernihiv region. The head of the foreign ministry emphasized that this attack is yet another confirmation of the Russian leadership’s unwillingness to cease aggression against Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“I am outraged by the Russian attack that the ‘Danish Refugee Council’ faced today in Ukraine. I firmly condemn all acts of aggression against humanitarian workers,” he stated.
The EU emphasizes Russia’s responsibility for attacks on humanitarian missions
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, also expressed his outrage at the death of Danish humanitarian workers, stressing that such actions by Russia demonstrate the brutality of the war against Ukraine. He highlighted that attacks on humanitarian missions are a gross violation of international law. The EU will continue to be committed to supporting Ukraine and will work towards holding those responsible accountable.
Details of the attack and the reaction of the international community
On September 4, Russian troops launched a missile strike on a checkpoint at the entrance to Novoselivka, near Chernihiv. As a result of this attack, the humanitarian mission of the ‘Danish Refugee Council’, which was engaged in demining areas after combat operations, was affected. Two mission staff members were killed, and five others were injured.
Russian forces systematically use various types of weapons, including strike drones, missiles, guided bombs, and multiple launch rocket systems, to shell Ukrainian regions. Despite this, the Russian leadership denies targeted strikes on civilian infrastructure, although there is ample evidence of the destruction of hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy facilities, and water supply systems.
Ukrainian authorities and international organizations classify such actions as war crimes by Russia, which are deliberate and aimed at the civilian population.