The Ukrainian city of Chernihiv is in total blackout following what the authorities describe as a massive assault by Russian missiles and drones, with hundreds of thousands of people affected.
Across the wider Chernihiv region, four people are reported to have been killed as residential neighbourhoods were struck in the town of Novhorod-Siverskyi.
Ten others were injured, including a 10-year-old girl.
The country's most northerly region is the latest to be hit in an intensifying series of attacks on civilian infrastructure as Russia targets energy supplies, the rail network, homes and businesses in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
55-year-old Oleksandr Babich, a Chernihiv resident, recounted hearing drones overhead during the night. Unfortunately, our region is very close to our scheming neighbour, he remarked, expressing frustration over the sustained attacks.
A raid involving over 100 Shahed drones and six ballistic missiles struck Chernihiv's electricity-generating facilities, plunging the entire city and surrounding areas into darkness. Andriy Podorvan, deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, noted the pattern of targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, which has intensified in recent months.
In addition to power outages, the strikes have severely impacted water supply due to the shutdown of water pumping stations, forcing residents to rely on emergency supplies.
Despite the ongoing attacks, local officials and residents maintain high morale. Many have continued to work with back-up generators in place for essential services, reflecting a spirit of resilience amidst adversity.
The ongoing bombardment raises concerns about the depletion of Ukraine's energy resilience, particularly with winter approaching. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought assistance from U.S. energy companies to modernize the energy sector, addressing the $16bn damage to infrastructure that these attacks have caused.
Podorvan expressed belief that Russia's strategy of targeting civilians is misguided, arguing it will only unify the population further against the aggressor.
As the situation evolves, Chernihiv remains vigilant, embodying the resilience of Ukrainian spirit against ongoing adversity.
