Russian Strikes Kill Four, Leave Chernihiv in Darkness

On October 21, 2023, Russian strikes resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left hundreds of thousands without electricity in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region. The attacks targeted energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts in the regional capital of Chernihiv and northern areas of the province. According to the energy ministry, the power supply was completely cut off, but reports indicate that power was gradually being restored by the afternoon.

In a separate incident, approximately 20 Russian drones struck the nearby town of Novhorod-Siverskyi, about 32 kilometers from the Russian border. Local officials reported that this attack killed four civilians and injured at least seven others. The extent of the damage remained unclear, as the intended targets were not publicly identified.

Impact on Civilians and Daily Life

The strikes have plunged residents into a precarious situation. In Chernihiv, people lined up to collect water from street cisterns and sought refuge in designated “invincibility points.” These tents are equipped with stoves and generators to provide temporary heat and light. Nina Dymyrets, a 45-year-old nursery assistant, shared her struggles: “It’s hard. One child didn’t go to nursery because there was no power, another didn’t go to school because there were no lessons either.”

The Chernihiv region, which borders Russia and had a pre-war population nearing one million, has faced ongoing drone and missile attacks in recent weeks. The frequent blackouts have disrupted daily life, leaving many residents grappling with the cold as temperatures begin to drop. The neighboring Sumy region also experienced violence, with local authorities reporting nine injuries from the attacks.

Challenges for Emergency Repairs

Emergency repair crews faced significant obstacles in restoring power due to ongoing drone threats. The energy ministry stated that crews were initially unable to access damaged facilities because Russian drones continued to circle overhead. This tactic has been characterized as a deliberate effort by Moscow to prolong the humanitarian crisis by targeting repair sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation on Telegram, stating, “Russia’s tactics are to murder people and terrorise them with the cold.” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this sentiment, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of pretending to seek diplomacy while escalating military attacks.

Throughout the ongoing conflict, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, asserting that such strikes are legitimate military actions. The situation in Chernihiv underscores the vulnerability of the region, especially given its proximity to Russia and the inadequately protected power infrastructure.

Chernihiv’s acting mayor, Oleksandr Lomako, criticized Moscow’s actions, suggesting they aim to deprive civilians of essential services before the onset of winter. “We overcame in February–April 2022. We will overcome now,” he stated on Telegram, reflecting on the city’s resilience during the earlier phases of the invasion.

As Russian air attacks intensify across Ukraine, the pattern of strikes resembles previous winters when cities far from the front lines endured prolonged blackouts. Residents like Nataliia, a 43-year-old mother, expressed their frustration: “They just hit and destroy everything. There’s no end to this.”

The ongoing conflict continues to take a toll on civilians, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources as winter approaches.