Responding to Russia’s latest attacks on Chernihiv’s energy infrastructure, which have left the entire city and parts of the region without electricity, Veronika Velch, Amnesty International Ukraine’s Director, said:
“This morning, Chernihiv — a city of nearly 280,000 people just two hours from Kyiv — woke up to a complete blackout after a series of Russian strikes on the region’s energy infrastructure. With temperatures dropping close to freezing overnight, Russia’s strikes will make life unbearable for civilians as we have seen time and again.”
“Russia’s relentless attack that is destroying Ukraine’s energy system, which is indispensable to the survival of civilian population, is unlawful. Intentionally depriving civilians of electricity, heating and water is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. These attacks disproportionately affect the civilian population, particularly vulnerable groups including children, older people, and hospital patients who depend on uninterrupted power and water supplies.
These attacks disproportionately affect the civilian population, particularly vulnerable groups including children, older people, and hospital patients who depend on uninterrupted power and water supplies
Veronika Velch, Amnesty International Ukraine’s Director
“As Ukraine enters another winter of Russia’s war of aggression, the destruction of energy infrastructure means entire communities are left without essential services. Children are unable to continue their education and, as attacks continue, more families are forced to abandon their homes. Russia must immediately cease its attacks on infrastructure indispensable to the survival of civilians, and the international community should act urgently to support the humanitarian needs of Chernihiv’s residents and ensure accountability for those responsible for these crimes under international law.”
Background
On 21 October 2025, Russian strikes left Chernihiv without electricity, forcing the city to rely on emergency backup power and triggering water distribution across the city. The blackout followed earlier attacks on energy facilities that cut power for tens of thousands.
Amnesty International has consistently documented how Russia’s widespread targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure may constitute war crimes and creates life-threatening humanitarian conditions.
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