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. It's so loud and so terrifying, says Nina, a Belgorod resident who suggested changing her name for safety. 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, and I ran into a nearby courtyard to hide under an arch.
The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Belgorod region has increased nearly fourfold since the start of 2025, according to a BBC News Russian analysis based on local authorities' data. In September alone, more than 4,000 drone strikes were reported, up from around 1,100 in January. The governor also reported that in one of the biggest strikes last month, the region was attacked with over 260 drones. There has also been an uptick in missile attacks since the summer.
While Ukraine continues to suffer greater losses from Russia's missile and drone strikes, which kill civilians and leave cities without power, the situation in Belgorod has deteriorated significantly. Ukrainian strikes have caused widespread power outages and infrastructural damage in Belgorod, with at least seven casualties reported on the Ukrainian side during recent attacks.
Ukrainian authorities attribute the surge in drone strikes to Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. President Zelensky remarked earlier this month, Maybe they should stop being too comfortable there in Belgorod? If they want to leave us without power, then we will do the same.
The Belgorod region serves as a key logistics corridor for Russian forces near the Ukraine border, making it a frequent target for retaliation.
Local residents like Ekaterina (not her real name) recall harrowing experiences during ongoing drone strike alerts. As notifications filled her phone on a recent night, the sounds of howling sirens and flickering lights signaled impending disaster, leading her and others to seek shelter amidst chaos.
With blackouts becoming a regular occurrence, authorities admit they are unable to provide backup generators for all residents. They have advised people to procure their own, despite a nationwide fuel crisis that complicates the situation further.
“While you're in the office in the center, you wouldn't necessarily notice that there was a blackout,” Natalya, another local, explained. “But when you're going home, it’s like entering a whole different world—a complete darkness outside.”
Recent strikes have primarily targeted Belgorod's energy infrastructure, leaving much of the region without power for prolonged periods. Residents are beginning to feel the impact of the war daily, echoing sentiments of fear and hopelessness as they see their region caught in the crossfire.
