Ukraine Strikes Throw over 20,000 into Darkness in Russia’s Border Regions

Thousands of residents in Russia’s western border areas were plunged into darkness on Sunday after Ukrainian strikes hit key energy facilities, regional officials confirmed.

Belgorod Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov said more than 20,000 people lost electricity following what he described as multiple attacks targeting power and heating infrastructure across several districts.

“The region’s electricity and heating supply networks suffered severe damage. Emergency crews are already working to restore power,” Gladkov announced on social media.

The neighbouring Kursk and Voronezh regions also reported damage.

In Kursk’s Korenevo district, a fire broke out at a power plant, disrupting supply to 10 localities, while in Voronezh, a heating facility was reportedly hit, causing further outages.

Although the strikes caused widespread disruption, no casualties were reported as of press time.

The Russian Energy Ministry said engineers were deployed to assess the damage and begin repairs, but restoration timelines remain unclear.

Ukraine has not commented on the reported strikes.

The attacks are among the most extensive power disruptions inside Russia since the escalation of cross-border hostilities. Analysts say the strikes underscore Kyiv’s growing ability to target infrastructure deep inside Russian territory as both sides intensify efforts to weaken each other’s energy systems ahead of winter.

Energy facilities on both sides of the frontlines have increasingly become targets in recent months, highlighting the expanding scope of the conflict and its growing impact on civilian life.