A locust army invaded the Ukrainian countryside, swarming farmlands and threatening crops across rural regions.

Footage shows the flying insects clinging to bare trees, with only branches left behind on July 19, around 5:20 pm.

Residents reported that the locusts were not only affecting farmland but also flying over residential areas and even entering homes.

Local media attributed the outbreak to an environmental disaster following the destruction of a hydroelectric power plant, which created conditions ideal for a locust infestation.

Vadym Tchaikovsky, deputy head of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, said: 'These are the results of Russian strikes, Russian aggression. The environmental catastrophe caused by the explosions and the blowing up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has had consequences.'

Authorities have conducted inspections and are actively assessing the extent of the damage, with some villagers reporting significant crop losses.

Officials added that a response plan is being developed and emphasised that efforts are underway to manage the situation.

Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their ability to form large swarms that can travel great distances. When environmental conditions are favourable, such as during dry periods followed by rain, locust populations can increase rapidly. These swarms can cause extensive damage to crops and vegetation, posing a serious threat to agriculture and food security in affected areas.