Russia’s Shahed drones hit homes in Chernihiv as Ukraine downs most of 61 launched

Russian forces launched more than 60 drones against Ukraine overnight on 6 January, continuing their daily use of Shahed-type drones in an ongoing campaign, targeting Ukraine's residential areas and energy infrastructure.

While the Ukrainian Air Force says over 50 drones were downed or jammed, several struck civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv Oblast, causing fires and structural damage.

Ukraine intercepts 53 drones launched from three Russian regions and occupied Donetsk

The Air Force reported that the attack began around 18:00 on 5 January and involved a total of 61 strike drones, including Shahed-136 and other types. Launches were carried out from the following locations:

• Russia’s Kursk and Oryol oblast, and from Millerovo in ROstov Oblast
• Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk Oblast.

Out of the 61 drones launched, 53 were either shot down by air defense or neutralized by electronic warfare means, the report says. 

Nonetheless, the Air Force confirmed eight drone hits across six locations in Ukraine.

Civilian infrastructure damaged in Novhorod-Siverskyi district

In Chernihiv Oblast, Russian drones struck the Novhorod-Siverskyi district, according to the district's military administration chief Oleksandr Seliverstov. Three Shahed-136— which he, for unclear reasons, referred to by their Russian designation Geran-2 —drones hit an agricultural hangar, causing a fire. Two private residences were also targeted, resulting in additional fire damage and broken windows and doors.

Seliverstov reported that 31 explosions were recorded in the district over the 24-hour period from 07:00 on 5 January to 07:00 on 6 January. Multiple settlements also experienced further attacks by FPV drones during that time.