Siege of Chernihiv

Prior to the invasion, the 1st Tank Brigade of Ukraine, consisting of 2,000 personnel, was stationed at a base in Honcharivske. On 24 February 2022, Russian missiles struck this base, marking the beginning of hostilities. An estimated 30,000 Russian troops advanced towards Chernihiv from multiple directions, with the intention of quickly capturing the city to support an offensive towards Kyiv.

Ukrainian defense strategies aimed to establish a line of defense between Ripky and Horodnia, approximately 35 kilometers from the Belarus border. However, the rapid Russian advance prevented the 1st Tank Brigade from reaching Ripky in time, allowing Russian forces to approach Velyki Osniaky and Sedniv, situated 20-25 kilometers from Chernihiv, where they faced initial resistance.

The 1st Tank Brigade successfully ambushed the first Russian vehicles approaching Chernihiv, delaying their advance and allowing Ukrainian forces to prepare for defense. Major General Viktor Nikoliuk reported that early engagements occurred near Khaliavyn, resulting in damage to five Russian tanks.

On 25 February 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense declared that Russian forces had encircled Chernihiv, initiating a siege. Ukrainian forces reported defeating a Russian unit attempting to capture the city, claiming to have seized several Russian tanks. Reports indicated that Russian artillery had targeted hospitals and kindergartens in Chernihiv.

By 27 February, significant damage had been inflicted on the city center, including the destruction of the historic Shchors cinema. Russian forces claimed to have fully blockaded Chernihiv, while Ukrainian sources reported the destruction of 56 Russian fuel trucks.

On 28 February, the village of Kyinka was attacked using cluster munitions, and attempts by saboteurs to infiltrate Chernihiv were thwarted.

Throughout March, the siege intensified. On 1 March, claims surfaced regarding Belarusian military involvement, although U.S. officials disputed this. The mayor of Chernihiv anticipated urban warfare, and attacks on hospitals and residential areas resulted in numerous casualties.

By 10 March, the city was reported to be completely isolated, with critical infrastructure failing under continuous bombardment. Notable attacks included airstrikes that damaged the Chernihiv Arena and other civilian structures.

On 16 March, a Russian attack killed at least 18 civilians in a breadline, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. By the end of the siege, more than half of Chernihiv's population had fled, with estimates of civilian casualties ranging from 350 to 400.

On 31 March 2022, Ukrainian forces reportedly recaptured a key road linking Kyiv and Chernihiv, signaling the end of the siege. By 1 April, Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian troops were withdrawing from the region.

By early April, Ukrainian forces had regained control of several settlements, including Shestovytsia and Kolychivka. The withdrawal of Russian forces was marked by the discovery of abandoned military uniforms, indicating a retreat under pressure.

The siege resulted in significant loss of life, with the Chernihiv Regional Prosecutor's Office reporting at least 123 Ukrainian soldiers, 100 civilians, and five policemen killed by mid-March. The conflict left lasting scars on the city, with extensive destruction and a humanitarian crisis affecting the surviving population.