The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine announced that Chernihiv, the regional capital, and the northern part of the province have been left completely without electricity due to recent Russian attacks. These attacks, which also targeted the Sumy region, are part of a series of strikes on the Ukrainian energy grid ahead of the winter. The Chernihiv region, with a population of nearly one million before the war, has been severely affected by drone and missile attacks, causing frequent power outages.
The ministry accused Russia of maintaining drones over the damaged facilities, preventing repair teams from carrying out repairs and prolonging the humanitarian crisis. President Zelensky emphasized that repairs are underway, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha criticized Russia for the brutal attacks. In the conditions of low autumn temperatures, many communities have been left without electricity and water, and the acting mayor of Chernihiv stated that Moscow is trying to leave residents without heat before winter.