A building accommodating offices for Danish Church Aid (DCA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) was completely destroyed in Ukraine after a Russian missile attack – fortunately no one was hurt.
The headquarters of the Christian charities came under fire when Russia fired ballistic and cruise missiles at Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, on Monday, Sept. 2.
The Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine posted a short video and news update on LinkedIn about the incident the same day.
Standing outside the building ruins just hours after the attack, Jens Albirk, Deputy Head of Mission of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine, said the attack would “only strengthen the resolve of Denmark to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”
“I’m standing in front of the headquarter[s] of the Danish Church Aid and the Norwegian Church Aid,” Albirk said in a short video posted on LinkedIn by the embassy. “This building was completely destroyed in the early hours of this morning by [a] Russian missile attack.
"And it’s a very sad thing for Denmark because we are [in] very close partnership with the Danish Church Aid. They’re working hard to bring about the help to Ukraine, both in terms of demining and other humanitarian activities.”.
Both Christian organizations previously shared an office at the site as they coordinated relief efforts together in Ukraine.
A press release issued by DCA confirmed the attack and explained that exploded missile fragments fell over Kyiv, damaging several buildings including the site shared by DCA and NCA.
“DanChurchAid’s office in Kyiv was hit, and the building has suffered extensive damage,” said Jonas Nøddekær, DCA Secretary General.
“Fortunately, the damage is only material, and all our employees are safe and in good spirits. We are in close contact with them.
“A damaged building in Kyiv will not prevent us from continuing our humanitarian and reconstruction work, including mine clearance, in eastern Ukraine. We are working especially in Mykolaiv, where we are helping to rebuild infrastructure and assist local communities in getting back on their feet.”
NCA also confirmed the missile attack in social media posts, including a short video showing the damage on Instagram.
“Last night our office in Kyiv was hit by a missile attack,” read a translated NCA statement. “Fortunately, no employees were injured.
“Tonight’s attack shows how unpredictable and demanding the security situation is in Ukraine right now and our thoughts go out to all our colleagues who are doing an impressive job under such conditions.
“We will not let ourselves be stopped, and continue our vital work!”
Both Christian charities have been clearing mines on land once used to provide food and occupations for local Ukrainians.
A press release on the DCA website at the end of August (2024) explained that hidden dangers from the mines threatened the safety of civilians and food security for Ukraine.
DCA and NCA were tackling this “urgent issue head-on” with support from the European Union. The humanitarian mine action program had been clearing explosive “remnants of war” from the agricultural land to make it safe for farming again.
“DCA/NCA’s efforts are essential not only for safeguarding the lives of local farmers but also for ensuring that Ukraine’s agricultural sector can recover and thrive,” the DCA said. ”The conflict has left thousands of hectares of farmland contaminated with landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other deadly remnants of war.
“Without the systematic clearance of these hazards, farmers cannot return to work, and food production remains at a standstill.
“By enabling farmers to return to their fields, DCA/NCA’s work is helping to rebuild agricultural production in the region, contributing to both local livelihoods and national food supplies.”
Safety measures put in place by non-technical survey teams should ensure the areas are safe for long-term use “preventing future incidents and securing the well-being of the local population.”
The project had made “tangible progress”, added the DCA statement, “in restoring both safety and hope to the people of Mykolaiv and Kherson.”
It is not yet clear at the time of publication where DCA and NCA would set up a new headquarters in Ukraine, following the missile attack.
