Russian Belgorod plunged into total blackout after massive missile strikes
Illustrative photo: Belgorod cut off from power, water, and internet (Getty Images)
On Sunday evening, September 28, powerful explosions rocked Belgorod in Russia, triggering a blackout across the city and parts of the surrounding region, according to Russian Telegram channels.
Posts on local channels indicate the explosions occurred around 6:45 PM local time. Preliminary reports suggest unidentified missiles struck the Belgorod CHP (Combined Heat and Power plant) and the Luch electrical substation.
Shortly after, videos appeared on social media showing smoke rising from one of the targeted facilities.
Residents reported widespread disruptions following the blasts. The city lost electricity, water, and internet access. Elevators have stopped working, and stores are operating on a cash-only basis or have closed entirely. Public transport is running irregularly, some streets are unlit, and traffic lights are out of service.
Telegram channels also report blackouts in Stary Oskol, Gubkin, Shebekino, Chernyanka, Korocha, Dubovoye, and Severny.
Official response
About an hour after the explosions, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that the blackout was caused by a strike on infrastructure.
"There are significant interruptions in the electricity supply. We are assessing the damage and will take maximum measures to connect all facilities, where possible, to backup generators. Wherever feasible, we will reroute power to meet the needs of residents and enterprises," Gladkov said.
He added that he had contacted units at Vodokanal (the municipal water utility) and medical services, "all of which have switched to backup power."
Gladkov also warned residents that power outages could disrupt alerts for missile and drone threats.
Zelenskyy warns Russia
Yesterday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not remain weak and would respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. He stressed that Russia should understand that if it threatens blackouts in Kyiv, the same could happen in Moscow.
"If they threaten a blackout in the capital of Ukraine, the Kremlin should know there will be a blackout in the capital of Russia. This, in short, reflects some of the points we discussed with the President (Donald Trump -ed.)," Zelenskyy said.
