Blackouts hit Russia's Belgorod as Ukrainian drone attacks surge

Residents of Russia's Belgorod region have reported increasing blackouts, air-raid sirens, and gunfire as Ukrainian drone attacks surge in the area. The number of drone attacks has nearly quadrupled since January 2025, with over 4,000 recorded in September. Ukrainian authorities attribute the increase to Russia's recent onslaught on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Belgorod region is a key logistics corridor for Russian forces near the border with Ukraine and has been targeted by artillery and short-range drone strikes. The city was largely unaffected by power cuts until this autumn, when missile alerts and explosions became common, leaving around 77,000 people without electricity. Ukrainian President Zelensky has linked the attacks to Russia's actions in Belgorod, suggesting a reciprocal response.

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