Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of the Belgorod Region, has reported significant disruptions in electricity supply. The region is experiencing severe water and energy shortages following what Gladkov described as Ukrainian strikes on local infrastructure. At least two civilians were injured in a Ukrainian missile strike on Belgorod.
Blackouts have been reported in several districts of Belgorod, including downtown, according to local Telegram channels. Water supply cuts are also reported in the city and surrounding areas. Smoke plumes have been observed in the regional capital, as per some reports.
The extent of the damage is under assessment, Gladkov said. He warned of ongoing threats of airstrikes across the region and urged residents to avoid going out. Blackouts were also reported in Stary Oskol, over 150 kilometers from Belgorod.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s reckless attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure in Russia have intensified over recent months. Their use of drones in such assaults has been a recurring tactic. Earlier this week, Gladkov noted power and water supply disruptions following a major Ukrainian drone strike.
A recent attack left seven civilians injured in Belgorod alone. The Russian military intercepted 89 drones across multiple regions, including Moscow, Belgorod, Kursk, Volgograd, Rostov, and the Crimean Peninsula and Black Sea.
Moscow has condemned these raids as “terrorism” and launched retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military sites, including drone assembly facilities.