Funeral in Uman for children killed in Russian strike

(1 May 2023)
FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4432052

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Uman, Ukraine - 30 April 2023
1. Wide above shot of funeral
HEADLINE: Funeral in Uman for children killed in Russian strike
2. Various of family of victim hugging at funeral
ANNOTATION: Relatives and friends gathered at a funeral for the 23 victims of a Russian missile attack in the central Ukraine city of Uman.
3. Close of mourner crying
ANNOTATION: The victims included an 11-year old girl and 17-year old boy.
4. Coffins being carried outside church
5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Father Fyodor Botsu, Priest:
++PARTIALLY OVERLAID WITH SHOTS 4, 6-10++
“I cannot convey their feelings because I’m torn up inside. I live nearby, I personally knew the children, the littlest, from when they were very young, and I personally baptized them in this church. I’m worried with everyone since I have children and I’m a citizen of this country and have been living in this city for 15 years. We are building this small church with these people. My condolences and prayers that the war should end and peace should come to our homes, city and country. Let God save and help everyone.”
6. Various of funeral procession
7. Tilt down from damaged building to flowers outside
8. Close of flowers and photo
9. Mourners at tribute site
10. Damaged building with flowers in foreground

STORYLINE:
Relatives and friends gathered at a funeral for the 23 victims of a Russian missile attack in the central Ukraine city of Uman.

The victims included an 11-year old girl and 17-year old boy.

As mourners held candles, crossed themselves and sang, the priest at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” waved a vessel containing incense over the coffins.

He said the deaths hit the entire community hard.

“I live nearby," said Father Fyodor Botsu.

"I personally knew the children, the littlest, from when they were very young, and I personally baptized them in this church. I’m worried with everyone since I have children and I’m a citizen of this country and have been living in this city for 15 years."

He said he prayed "that the war should end and peace should come to our homes, city and country.”

At the damaged building in Uman, people brought flowers and photos of the victims.

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