The Ukrainian city of Chernihiv has been plunged into complete darkness following what authorities described as a “massive” missile and drone strike by Russia leaving hundreds of thousands without power, Rks News reports.
Across the wider Chernihiv region, four people were killed as residential areas were hit in the nearby town of Novhorod-Siverskyi, and ten others were injured, including a 10-year-old girl.
The northern region, which borders Russia and Belarus, has become the latest target in Moscow’s escalating campaign against civilian infrastructure, as Russia intensifies strikes on energy facilities, railways, homes, and businesses amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“I personally heard the drones flying over my head,” said 55-year-old Oleksandr Babich, a Chernihiv resident, describing a night filled with the haunting hum of Iranian-designed Shahed drones — a sound increasingly familiar even far from the frontlines.
He added bitterly, “Unfortunately, our region is too close to our troublesome neighbor,” using an unflattering term to refer to Russia.
According to Ukrainian officials, over 100 Shahed drones — each carrying a 50 kg warhead — and six ballistic missiles were used in the assault, directly targeting power generation facilities. The result: the entire city of Chernihiv left without electricity, along with vast surrounding areas.
Andriy Podorvan, deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, told the BBC that such attacks have been part of a broader and worsening trend.
“For about half a year, we have been experiencing targeted attacks on our energy infrastructure,” he said.
“The number of strikes has increased sharply in the last two months.”
Asked whether he believed any of the targets had military significance the usual justification from Moscow – Podorvan dismissed the claim outright.
“I can only see attacks on civilian infrastructure,” he said. “Russia has even targeted gas stations.”
The assault on the power grid has also crippled water pumping stations, disrupting water supplies. Residents have been advised to store drinking water in bottles or rely on emergency distributions.
