President of Ukraine declares September 26 a day of national mourning

The day of national mourning is declared in Ukraine. Photo: 24tv.ua

Due to the plane crash that took place yesterday in the Kharkiv region, the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky announced September 26, 2020, the day of national mourning and signed a corresponding decree, reports the website of the President's Office.

"Due to the tragedy that occurred as a result of the crash of the An-26 military aircraft during scheduled training flights on September 25, 2020, near the city of Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region and led to the death of servicemen of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to honour the memory I decide: to declare September 26, 2020, a day of mourning in Ukraine,” the document reads.
According to the decree, on this day the State Flag should be lowered throughout Ukraine on the buildings and structures of state authorities, local governments, state enterprises, institutions and organizations. All entertainment and concert events must be cancelled, and TV and radio programs must also be amended accordingly.

"Yesterday we lost young cadets and experienced soldiers, who had a lifetime ahead and, I'm sure, numerous battle victories. It is difficult to find words to express the pain of this loss. It is difficult to find the right phrases to comfort the parents, wives and children of the deceased soldiers. The whole country today will mourn with their families. I signed a decree declaring September 26 a day of mourning," the President of Ukraine said.

The head of the state emphasizes the need to promptly investigate the causes of the plane crash and conduct an objective and impartial investigation.

As reported, on September 25, when landing at about 20:50 on the Kyiv-Kharkiv-Dovzhansk highway, near the military airport of Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region, a military aircraft AN-26 fell and caught fire. On board were crew members, cadets and officers of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University of Kharkiv – 27 people in total. According to the latest data, 25 dead were found at the crash site, two victims, one of whom subsequently died, were sent to hospital.

The bishop of the UOC called for prayer for those killed in the plane crash near Kharkiv.

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