NASA Satellite Images Show Lights Out In Ukrainian Cities Since Invasion

NASA satellite images of Ukraine by night show how many areas have been plunged into darkness as Russia’s attack continues to devastate the country - with even some of the largest cities appearing much dimmer.

An image taken on 7 February shows what Ukraine looked light at night before Russia invaded later that month, with large clusters of light visible in areas like Kyiv – the capital and most populated city. 

According to Sky, some white lights look slightly muted or blurred compared to others, but this is due to cloud cover. 

Another satellite shot taken on 7 March paints a very different picture, with fewer visible light sources - even in some of the country’s largest cities. 

As Sky reports, the southern coast of Ukraine has seen a great deal of fighting, being a key target for Russia – particularly around Kherson and Mykolaiv. 

In the satellite images, lights around Mykolaiv have almost completely disappeared. 

Kherson, meanwhile, also has a very small level of visible light at night. 

While Odesa has not been under the same degree of attack as Kherson and Mykolaiv, lights in the normally busy tourist hotspot have also dwindled significantly. 

Scientist Julien Chimot shared some of the NASA images on Twitter, saying they 'terrified' him.

He said: “I am usually a big fan of @NASAEarth #VIIRS night light images. But these days, I am terrified.

“From early February (left pic) to early March (right pic), a big dark hole has appeared in #Europe #Ukraine. Let [us] remember how lucky we are tonight to be able to turn on our lights.”

I am usually a big fan of @NASAEarth #VIIRS night light images. But these days, I am terrified.

From early February (left pic) to early March (right pic), a big dark hole has appeared in #Europe #Ukraine.

Let remember how lucky we are tonight to be able to turn on our lights. pic.twitter.com/pnaM8qOPVy

— 🇺🇦Julien Chimot 🇪🇺🌍🌋🛰️🔥⛵ (@JChimotScience) March 7, 2022

Earlier this week, as bombs continued to rain down on the Ukrainian capital, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a video online to prove that he was still working from his office in Kyiv.

Previous media reports had suggested that Zelenskyy had gone into hiding, but in a clip shot from his Bankova Street office, the Ukrainian leader said he will stay for 'as long as necessary' and that his team is by his side.

"Our office, Monday evening," he said.

"We get used to saying that Monday is a tough day. We have a war in the country, so every day is Monday."

Zelenskyy could be seen marching through the corridors before sitting behind his desk to issue a clear message: he isn't going anywhere.

"I am staying here in Kyiv, on Bankova street. I am not afraid of anyone. And I will stay as long as it takes to win our patriotic war."