A new wave of Russian air attacks on northern Ukraine has killed at least four civilians and injured 10 others, while leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity and water. The devastating strikes hit key energy infrastructure in Chernihiv, intensifying fears of a harsh and powerless winter for many Ukrainians.
Massive Power Outage After Overnight Strikes
Ukraine’s Energy Ministry confirmed that both the city of Chernihiv and the northern part of the region lost power following overnight missile and drone attacks. The assault, part of Russia’s renewed targeting of Ukraine’s energy grid, crippled local utilities and halted water supplies across the region.
A subsequent Russian drone strike on the nearby town of Novhorod-Siverskyi, located roughly 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the Russian border, killed four people, including a 10-year-old child, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Ten others were injured, and emergency crews were dispatched to control fires and clear debris from damaged buildings.
Local officials reported that repeated drone flights over critical energy facilities prevented repair crews from beginning restoration work, prolonging the blackout and raising safety concerns.
“They just hit and destroy everything. There’s no end to this,” said Nataliia, a 43-year-old resident, as she waited in line to collect water from a public cistern.
Residents Turn to Emergency Shelters Amid Cold
With electricity and water systems offline, Chernihiv residents queued at “invincibility points” – emergency tents set up by authorities offering heat, phone charging, and internet access through generators. These shelters have become lifelines in Ukraine’s battle to survive Russia’s winter assaults on civilian infrastructure.
Chernihiv’s acting mayor, Oleksandr Lomako, condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting essential services to “deprive residents of power and warmth ahead of winter.”
Zelenskyy: ‘Russia’s Tactics Are to Murder and Terrorise with Cold’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram that repair efforts were under way, but warned that Russia’s campaign was aimed at inflicting maximum civilian suffering.
“Russia’s tactics are to murder people and terrorise them with the cold,” Zelenskyy stated, urging international partners to accelerate aid deliveries of power equipment and air defence systems.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the sentiment, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was pretending to pursue diplomacy while launching “brutal missile and drone attacks.”
Meanwhile, additional strikes were reported in the Sumy region, where at least nine civilians were wounded, according to local authorities.
Russia’s Continuing Energy War
Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, knocking out power plants, substations, and heating facilities. The attacks aim to weaken Ukraine’s economy and morale, often striking during freezing temperatures when energy demand peaks.
Despite international condemnation, Moscow maintains that its attacks are aimed at “military and logistical targets.” Analysts, however, say the strikes are part of a psychological warfare campaign designed to pressure Kyiv into concessions.
Diplomatic Tensions: Trump-Putin Meeting Uncertain
The latest escalation comes amid renewed diplomatic manoeuvres. US President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a negotiated end to the war, was reportedly planning a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, both Washington and Moscow have since confirmed that no such meeting is scheduled.
“There are no plans for President Trump to meet with President Putin in the immediate future,” a senior White House official told Al Jazeera.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that “serious preparation” would be needed before any talks could occur.
The uncertainty surrounding peace talks has frustrated Kyiv. President Zelenskyy, who visited Washington last week seeking to secure Tomahawk missiles and enhanced air defences, left without a deal. Reports suggest tensions flared after Trump relayed Putin’s demand that Ukraine cede Donetsk and Luhansk — a proposal rejected outright by Kyiv and European allies.
Europe Stands Firm Against Territorial Concessions
European leaders reiterated that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and internationally recognised borders. Eight EU leaders and top officials released a joint statement declaring that “borders cannot be changed by force.”
Ukraine’s allies continue to warn that granting Moscow territorial gains would embolden further aggression and destabilise Europe.
Outlook: A Harsh Winter Ahead
As winter approaches, Ukraine braces for more massive power cuts and civilian hardships. Emergency crews across the country are racing to repair damaged infrastructure while relying on international aid for generators, transformers, and fuel.
Despite the destruction, Ukrainian resilience remains steadfast. In Chernihiv, residents continue to queue for water and warmth, vowing not to give in to Moscow’s campaign of terror.
“We’ve lived without light before,” said 62-year-old resident Vasyl. “We’ll survive again. What we need now is the world not to forget us.”
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