Russian Belgorod plunged into blackout again after reported substation explosion
Illustrative photo: Belgorod left without power (Getty Images)
Belgorod in Russia is facing another blackout, with power out in several districts. Some reports also point to severe disruptions in water supply and internet access, according to Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Russian channels claim a "missile strike" allegedly hit the city's Luch substation. The substation is on fire, and most of the city is experiencing widespread electricity outages.
Numerous photos and videos have surfaced online showing the explosion at the substation and the resulting power loss. Some reports suggest the blast also caused water supply issues, and the internet is down in certain areas.
Governor Gladkov confirmed the blackout, saying most districts of Belgorod and an unspecified number of settlements in the region are without electricity.
"There is damage to the energy infrastructure. All emergency crews are currently on site. I am heading to the impact location myself. We will figure out what happened," he said.
This is not the first total blackout in Belgorod and parts of the region. The first occurred on September 28, when Belgorod CHP (Combined Heat and Power plant) and the Luch electrical substation were targeted. Power was restored only on September 30.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not remain weak and would respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. He warned that any attack on Ukraine's energy system would trigger a similar response against Russia's, and an attempt to cut power in Kyiv would lead to a blackout in Moscow.
