Russia said on Friday that overnight Ukrainian drone strikes caused extensive damage to energy infrastructure in its western border regions, triggering power outages and emergency repairs in multiple districts.
Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said an overnight air strike hit the region, prompting an emergency meeting with the heads of power and water utilities and the mayor of the regional capital.
“We have extensive damage to the energy infrastructure of the city of Belgorod, as well as the Belgorod, Rakityansky, Borisovsky, Grayvoronsky and Yakovlevsky districts,” Gladkov wrote on Telegram.
He said restoration work has been under way since the attack but power has not yet been fully restored in Belgorod city.
38 Ukrainian drones shot down
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defences shot down 38 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 10 over the Belgorod region, whose administrative centre lies about 27 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The ministry also said 26 drones were intercepted over the neighbouring Bryansk region.
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that strikes there also targeted energy infrastructure, causing outages in the Klintsovsky district.
“Despite repeated massive attacks, emergency services immediately responded,” Bogomaz said, adding that power was quickly restored thanks to coordinated efforts.
Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the reported strikes or Moscow’s claims.
