Surge in Ukrainian Drone Attacks Create Blackouts in Russia's Belgorod

Fri Oct 24 2025 23:08:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Belgorod region of Russia experiences significant blackouts and escalating drone attacks as tensions with Ukraine intensify. Local residents recount harrowing experiences amid the chaos.

The Belgorod region has seen a dramatic rise in Ukrainian drone attacks, leading to frequent blackouts and air raid sirens among residents. The number of attacks has nearly quadrupled this year, with authorities struggling to respond effectively. Concerns over a lingering energy crisis are growing among locals as they face both power shortages and the realities of the ongoing conflict.

Residents of Russia's Belgorod region say blackouts, air-raid sirens and the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly common, as Kyiv retaliates against repeated bombardments of its cities with cross-border strikes of its own.

It's so loud and so terrifying, says Nina, a Belgorod resident who asked us to change her name.

I was coming back from the clinic when a siren went off. As usual, I received Telegram alerts about a drone attack. Then bursts of automatic gunfire broke out; I ran into a nearby courtyard and tried to hide under an arch, she recalls.

The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Belgorod region has increased nearly fourfold since the start of 2025, according to BBC News Russian analysis based on data from local authorities.

In September, more than 4,000 Ukrainian drones were recorded in the Belgorod region, compared with around 1,100 in January 2025. In one of the biggest strikes last month, the region was attacked with more than 260 drones, according to the governor. There has also been an increase in missile attacks since the summer.

Ukraine continues to suffer far greater losses from Russia's near-daily missile and drone strikes, which routinely kill civilians and leave cities across the country without power and heat. At least seven people were killed, including two children, in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight into Wednesday, and there are fears that the coming winter may be the harshest yet for Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities say the recent surge of attacks on Belgorod, some of which have caused huge blackouts, is a direct result of Russia's latest onslaught on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Maybe they should stop being too comfortable there in Belgorod? Zelensky said earlier this month.

Belgorod region is a key logistics corridor and staging hub for Russian forces near the border with Ukraine. It is also a regular point of origin for artillery and short-range drone strikes.

Although there were local electricity outages in smaller towns in the region earlier in the war, the city of Belgorod was largely unaffected by power cuts until this autumn.

Recent missile strikes hit the main Belgorod heat and power plant and a substation, leading to widespread blackouts across the region. While authorities admitted they do not have the capacity to provide everyone with back-up generators, residents expressed concerns over rising generator prices amid fuel shortages.

Local resident Yakov noted, Until September, the war seemed to have faded into the background again. But now we are getting constant reminders - through power outages, fuel shortages, and a general sense of anxiety.

As drone strikes increase, the residents' daily lives and safety are directly impacted as they navigate the harsh realities of ongoing conflict.