Chernihiv stands on the Desna River to the north-north-east of Kiev.Chernihiv has a humid continental climate with cold, cloudy and snowy winters, and warm, sunny summers. historic city in northern Ukraine, serves as the administrative center of the Chernihiv Oblast (province), as well as of the surrounding Chernihiv Raion (district) within the oblast. The city had an estimated population of around 296,008 (as of 2013).