Reflections on visit to Chernihiv

On the second anniversary of the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Councillor Jordan Meade revisited Chernihiv in northern Ukraine.

During the full-scale invasion, Russia occupied towns and villages across Chernihiv Oblast and laid siege to Chernihiv City. Despite enduring horrific bombardments, relentless artillery shelling, and in far too many cases the butchery and war crimes committed by the Russian military, the determination and strength of the heroic people of Chernihiv stands as an inspiration to all.

Cllr Meade witnessed the destruction first-hand, including what he described as Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilian life and community infrastructure, including “children’s libraries, football clubs, theatres, schools and medical facilities.”

He also visited the village of Yahidne, where in 2022 Russian forces forced 360 people, including children and the elderly, into the basement of a school where they were held in appalling conditions for over a month. As Cllr Meade reflected, “It was so cramped in that basement that people had to sleep standing up. There was no ventilation, scraps for food and buckets for toilets.” He added that, “So harsh were the conditions that the elderly went mad and died.”

In a stark warning against attempts to downplay Russia’s actions, he stated: “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that Russia is not committing war crimes, as the suffering of the people of the Chernihiv Oblast is but one horrific example of the thousands of war crimes and human rights violations that have been committed by the Russian state in Ukraine.”

While the visit was, in his words, “incredibly emotional,” Cllr Meade said that meetings with the Governor, the Regional Military Administration, City Councillors and residents once again left him “filled with hope and optimism for happier times to come.” He concluded by reaffirming his commitment: he “will continue to do all that he can to support this incredible part of Ukraine.”