On July 26, 2026, the city of Chernihiv became the target of a new Russian attack. At 16:12, a "Geran-4" loitering munition struck an ATB grocery supermarket. As a result of the strike, two civilians were killed, including a 10-year-old child. Another 25 people were injured, three of whom were children. Local authorities have already confirmed these tragic figures.
Who is behind the strike
According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of Ukraine, the drone launch was carried out by Combat Group No. 3 of the separate unmanned aviation brigade "GROM "Kaskad". The combat equipment was launched from a drone port in the settlement of Navlya in the Bryansk region. The drone was equipped with a video camera, which allowed operators to correct the flight towards the target.
Ukrainian intelligence is already identifying the direct perpetrators of the crime and all those involved in the tragedy. The GUR report notes that the "GROM "Kaskad" brigade is part of the Russian Aerospace Forces and regularly carries out long-range drone attacks on civilian objects in Ukraine.
"Elite" caste and war crimes
Ukrainian intelligence emphasizes that this brigade has a reputation as a unit for the so-called "elite" caste of Russian officials and bureaucrats. According to sources, representatives of this group can sign short-term multi-month contracts without approaching the combat zone, but still receive the status of a "participant" in the war against Ukraine.
As early as 2025, the GUR revealed the identity of the commander of the "GROM "Kaskad" brigade — it turned out to be Negrub Ruslan Nikolaevich, whom the Ukrainian side calls a war criminal.
Government reaction and additional damage
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately reacted to the new war crime. He stated that the enemy is once again terrorizing civilians without any military sense. Zelenskyy emphasized that such attacks have no strategic significance and are aimed solely at intimidating the population.
On July 27, new details of the incident emerged. In addition to the supermarket, another object in Chernihiv was hit — a service station, which was struck by a second enemy drone. Rescue services continue to work at the scene, assessing the damage and assisting the injured.
