Russian authorities in the border city of Belgorod reported extensive overnight shelling that allegedly struck critical energy infrastructure, disrupting electricity and heating services across parts of the city. Regional officials described the incident as one of the heaviest attacks Belgorod has experienced since the start of the war in Ukraine.
According to Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, the attack occurred late on January 24 and involved dozens of incoming projectiles. He stated that while no injuries were reported, several facilities linked to power and heating supply sustained damage. Emergency services were deployed across the city to contain fires and assess structural impacts.
Independent analysts and local residents shared images and video footage on social media suggesting that a combined heat and power plant located on Severo-Donetskaya Street was struck multiple times. Observers noted explosions and flashes visible from several hundred meters away. Residents reported a prolonged period of loud detonations throughout the night, with some estimating dozens of blasts over several hours.
As a result of the incident, sections of Belgorod reportedly experienced temporary outages affecting electricity, water supply, and heating. Municipal crews worked overnight to restore essential services amid winter temperatures. Small fires caused by falling debris were extinguished, including one incident involving a residential courtyard and another affecting a private outbuilding.
Damage was also reported outside the city limits. Regional authorities said homes, vehicles, and public infrastructure were affected in several districts across Belgorod Oblast. In some rural areas, gas service was briefly interrupted, while at least two houses in the village of Tavrovo sustained roof damage from falling fragments.
The reported strike comes against the backdrop of continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s own energy network. Ukrainian officials have warned that repeated strikes on power facilities during winter have left hundreds of thousands of civilians without reliable access to electricity and heating. Kyiv has previously stated that continued pressure on its energy infrastructure could prompt retaliatory measures.
Belgorod Oblast, which borders northeastern Ukraine, has played a strategic role throughout the conflict and is frequently cited as a logistical hub for Russian military operations. Ukrainian authorities had not issued an official response regarding the reported strike at the time of publication.
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