Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cause Mass Blackouts in Russia's Belgorod Region

Ukrainian forces have launched multiple attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, particularly targeting thermal power plants and substations in the Belgorod and Bryansk regions, causing widespread power outages affecting nearly 40,000 residents. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported significant damage, including fires and disrupted water supplies, with emergency crews working to restore electricity amid ongoing shelling and drone attacks. Despite these disruptions, Ukrainian energy experts suggest that while power interruptions may occur in Ukraine due to Russian attacks, a full national blackout is unlikely because of resilient energy systems and multiple supply connections. Russian authorities have also reported intercepting hundreds of drones overnight, highlighting the intensifying use of drone strikes in the conflict. Both sides have targeted each other's energy infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to undermine economic and civilian stability, with Russia focusing on Ukrainian sites since late 2022 and Ukraine retaliating by striking deep into Russian territory, including oil refineries and power facilities. These attacks have resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides, underscoring the escalating energy warfare component of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.