Ukrainian city loses power after ‘massive’ Russian attack

(MENAFN) The Ukrainian city of Chernihiv has been left entirely without electricity following what local officials described as a “massive” Russian assault involving missiles and drones, leaving hundreds of thousands affected.

Authorities reported that four people were killed and ten others injured in the wider Chernihiv region, including a 10-year-old girl, after residential neighborhoods in the town of Novhorod-Siverskyi came under attack.

The northernmost part of Ukraine is the latest target in Russia’s intensifying campaign against civilian infrastructure, as strikes continue to hit power plants, rail lines, homes, and businesses across the country.

“I personally heard the drones flying overhead,” said 55-year-old resident Oleksandr Babich, describing a night filled with the ominous buzz of Iranian-made Shahed drones. “Unfortunately, our region is very close to our scheming neighbour,” he added, using a strong expletive to emphasize his frustration.

Chernihiv’s proximity to both Russia and Belarus leaves its air defenses with minimal warning time against incoming attacks. During the latest barrage, which reportedly involved more than 100 Shahed drones and six ballistic missiles, direct hits on the city’s power plants plunged the entire area into darkness.

According to Andriy Podorvan, deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, this was part of a broader pattern. “For around half a year we have been experiencing targeted strikes on the energy infrastructure in our region,” he said. “The number of attacks has significantly increased over the last two months.”

When asked whether any of the targets had legitimate military value — Moscow’s usual justification for such strikes — Podorvan dismissed the claim, noting that Russia has even attacked petrol stations. “I can only see strikes on civilian infrastructure,” he said.

The city’s blackout also disrupted water services, as pumping stations were knocked offline.

Residents have been urged to stock up on bottled water or depend on emergency deliveries.

Engineers were initially unable to start repairs due to ongoing bombardment but later began restoring power once the attacks subsided.

Officials warned that the continuing assaults could exhaust Ukraine’s already strained energy system, potentially crippling the economy and morale as the country heads into winter. Power companies, working in coordinated wartime efforts, have so far managed to restore electricity quickly, but spare parts and key equipment are in short supply. Producing and installing a single transformer can take over a year.

Ukraine has sought international assistance to rebuild its energy infrastructure. Although President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington failed to secure the long-sought Tomahawk missiles, talks with major US energy firms were said to have been productive, focusing on modernizing Ukraine’s power grid.
Estimates suggest that the total damage to the country’s energy sector now exceeds $16 billion.

Podorvan said he believes Russia’s intensified strikes reflect its inability to advance on the battlefield. Instead, he argued, Moscow is targeting civilians to exploit perceived vulnerabilities — a move he says will backfire. “People understand who the enemy is and who is guilty in this situation,” he stated. “It will lead to the even greater unity of the population.”

Residents echoed his determination. “Although, yes, there are inconveniences, the majority of the population is ready for this,” Babich said, noting that essential services like hospitals and government offices are running on backup generators while neighbors help one another.

“The hero city of Chernihiv did not give up and is not going to give up. Morale is high.”

MENAFN22102025000045017640ID1110232114