Russia reports power cuts after Ukraine drone barrage

October 06, 2025 / 12:23 PM

Sharjah24 - AFP: Russia reported widespread power outages in its Belgorod border region after what it described as one of the largest Ukrainian drone attacks since the war began. Moscow’s defence ministry said it had downed 251 drones overnight, marking one of the highest daily tallies since the invasion in February 2022.

Power cuts hit Russian border regions

In Belgorod, 24 settlements were left partially without electricity, affecting around 5,400 residents, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Local authorities also reported that a refinery in the southern Krasnodar region was struck, injuring two people.

Kyiv steps up strikes on Russian infrastructure

Ukraine has vowed to intensify its attacks on Russian territory and energy facilities, calling them a legitimate response to Moscow’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Kyiv said Russia launched 116 drones overnight, hitting an energy site in Chernigiv and killing one woman in Kherson.

Renewed attacks on power grids

Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of reviving its winter strategy of targeting the power grid, a tactic that previously left millions without heat or light in freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused fuel shortages and rising petrol prices across several Russian regions.

Economic pressure as a war strategy

Kyiv says its goal is to cut off Moscow’s vital energy revenues, which it claims are used to fund the Russian military. Both sides appear to be escalating their campaigns ahead of the winter season, with energy infrastructure emerging as a key battleground in the ongoing conflict.