Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that individuals inside the theatre had managed to find shelter in time, but many victims were caught in the vicinity of the theatre or on the streets, including those returning from a church service. The attack had a profound impact on the city's center, known for its lively pedestrian activity. The UN in Ukraine, represented by Denise Brown, strongly denounced the attack, emphasizing the prohibition of assaults on civilians or civilian structures under international humanitarian law