Ukrainian missiles have targeted the Russian town of Belgorod near the border, causing significant damage to energy facilities and leading to disruptions in power, water, and heating services, according to the regional governor’s statement yesterday. This recent attack, occurring just 40 km (25 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is the second within a five-day span that has resulted in substantial destruction.
Over the past four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Belgorod area has frequently encountered military actions from Ukrainian forces. Vyacheslav Gladkov, communicating via Telegram, reported, “Significant damage has been inflicted on energy infrastructure, leading to interruptions in power, water, and heating supplies.” Approximately 50,000 residents were left without electricity following the attack, while there has been no official response from Ukrainian authorities.
Gladkov mentioned that a thorough assessment of the damage would be conducted at daybreak. Images shared on unofficial Telegram channels illustrated residential areas engulfed in darkness and skies illuminated by explosions. Belgorod, along with the neighboring Kursk region, which experienced a surprise attack and temporary occupation by Ukraine in August 2024, has been recurrently subjected to cross-border assaults since the conflict’s inception.
The ongoing shelling and power outages have made the war a harsh daily reality for the residents, distinguishing their experience from that of the wider Russian population. Despite a national trend of disengagement from the conflict, as seen in opinion polls, the impact of the war is palpable in regions like Belgorod.