Russian occupation of Chernihiv Oblast

The Russian occupation of Chernihiv Oblast was a military occupation that began on 24 February 2022, the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Steadily, Russian troops started capturing large parts of the Chernihiv Oblast to try to take the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv. The capital city of the oblast, Chernihiv, was never captured. By 3 April, Russian forces left the oblast, ending the occupation.

Chernihiv
On 25 February 2022, Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian forces were laying siege to the city. The following day, Ukrainian forces in the city claimed they defeated one of the units imposing siege.

On 1 March, governor of Chernihiv Oblast, Vyacheslav Chaus claimed that every access point to the city was heavily mined.

On 10 March, Mayor Vladyslav Atroshenko said that Russian forces had completed the encirclement of Chernihiv, adding that the city was completely isolated and critical infrastructure for its 300,000 residents was rapidly failing as it came under repeated bombardment. He also claimed that Russia attacked 7 civilians escaping through an evacuation convoy. A Russian airstrike also damaged the Chernihiv Arena.

On 11 March, Ukrainian forces claimed to have destroyed a Russian missile unit shelling the city, with some Russian troops surrendering.

On 25 March, Ukrainian authorities said that Russian forces had cut off the northern city of Chernihiv after destroying a road bridge across the Desna River in the south, while attempts to fully encircle the city remained unsuccessful.

On 31 March, the Ukrainian Army recaptured the M01 highway connecting Kyiv and Chernihiv, ending the siege. The Mayor reported the first quiet night since the war began.

On 2 April, Ukraine recaptured the villages of Sloboda [ uk] and Shestovytsia [ uk] near Chernihiv.

Horodnia
On 25 February 2022, Russia captured Horodnia, a city in the Chernihiv Raion and established their military headquarters there. Ukraine later retook the city on 2 April 2022.

Withdrawal by Russia
On 30 March, Russia began withdrawing troops from Northern Ukraine, including Chernihiv Oblast. Ukrainian forces started recapturing many towns and settlements and by 3 April, Ukrainian officials and the Pentagon claimed Russian forces left Chernihiv Oblast for redeployment in Donbas and South Ukraine.

Aftermath
After Russian forces withdrew, Ukrainian forces began demining operations in the Kyiv and Chernihiv Oblasts.

On 9 August, the United States Department of State announced that it will send $89,000,000 to Ukraine to help with demining operations.

Russian forces still shell small towns and villages near the border with Russia.