Russian strike leaves Chornobyl confinement without power, rolling blackouts in Chernihiv region

Blackout at Chornobyl NPP

According to the Ministry of Energy, a state of emergency occurred at the Chornobyl NPP facilities after the strike on Slavutych’s energy infrastructure.

“As a result of power surges, the New Safe Confinement — the key structure that isolates the destroyed fourth reactor of Chornobyl and prevents radioactive emissions — was left without electricity. Specialists are now working to restore the power supply,” the ministry reported.

Rolling blackouts in Chernihiv region

Chernihivoblenergo reported a critical situation in the region’s power supply system. The company said a massive Russian strike damaged key energy facilities, causing a system-wide failure and cutting off 307,000 consumers across several districts.

“Unfortunately, the available capacity is insufficient to supply everyone at once, so we are forced to resort to extreme measures — introducing rolling blackouts. They will take effect at 20:00 on October 1,” the company stated.

The schedule involves four groups, applied on the principle of three hours with power followed by six hours without. The company stressed this is a temporary emergency measure. Restoration works are underway around the clock, but their pace depends on security conditions.

More on the situation in Chernihiv region

Chernihiv regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said a meeting of the regional emergency commission was held to address the aftermath of the Russian attacks.

“The main task is to restore electricity supply. Energy workers are working to connect alternative power sources. But the situation is difficult. Outages are being introduced until the system stabilizes. Oblenergo has published the schedule. I urge everyone to save electricity,” he said.

He added that hospitals, utilities and social facilities are switching to generators.
“We have a fuel reserve. We are reinforcing facilities with higher consumption. More buses are being launched in Chernihiv. Follow city council updates on route changes,” Chaus noted.

He emphasized that mobile operators are acting according to pre-established emergency protocols, while police are stepping up patrols in areas without electricity.

“As for water supply — companies are using alternative power sources. Where capacity is insufficient, drinking water will be delivered,” he said.

Chaus added the government is monitoring the situation and will provide additional resources if needed.

“These actions won’t go unanswered,” says Yermak

Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak responded to the Russian strikes, stressing that Moscow’s actions endanger not only Ukraine but also Europe’s security.

“These actions will not go unanswered. Ukraine has responded and will continue to respond. It is crucial that countries with influence over Putin’s regime use every available tool to make Russia stop the war,” Yermak said.

What came before

The mayor of Slavutych, Yurii Fomichev, and the head of the Chernihiv regional administration, Viacheslav Chaus, confirmed the attack.

“We have a hit on the 330 substation. The city is without power. The consequences are being assessed. Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. We are trying to switch to other sources, the timing will be clarified. The water utility has reserves, water will be supplied on a schedule. Follow the announcements,” Fomichev wrote.

He added that power supply will be provided for communication systems.

“We are setting up Points of Invincibility where people can charge their phones and cook food. I ask for patience, this will take time,” the mayor stressed.

The head of Chernihiv regional administration reported that as a result of the strike on the neighboring region’s energy facility, part of the Chernihiv communities are also without electricity.

“Relevant services are working on restoration,” he added.

At 5:56 p.m., Kyiv regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk said that around 20,000 residents were left without electricity.

“Fortunately, there are no civilian casualties. Rescuers are working at the site, and police are strengthening public security. Specialists are preparing to connect the city to a backup power source. This takes time, so critical and social infrastructure facilities were immediately ordered to switch to generators and continue operating,” he noted.

• On September 30, Russian forces attacked Dnipro with strike drones, leaving one person dead and 31 injured.