Residents of Russia's Belgorod region say blackouts, air-raid sirens, and the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly common, as Kyiv retaliates against repeated bombardments of its cities with cross-border strikes of its own.
It's so loud and so terrifying, says Nina, a Belgorod resident who asked us to change her name.
I was coming back from the clinic when a siren went off. As usual, I received Telegram alerts about a drone attack. Then bursts of automatic gunfire broke out, I ran into a nearby courtyard and tried to hide under an arch, she recalls.
The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Belgorod region has increased nearly fourfold since the start of 2025, according to BBC News Russian analysis based on data from local authorities.
In September, more than 4,000 Ukrainian drones were recorded in the Belgorod region, compared to around 1,100 in January 2025. The increase in missile attacks since the summer has exacerbated the situation.
Ukraine continues to suffer far greater losses from Russia's near-daily missile and drone strikes, which routinely kill civilians and leave cities across the country without power and heat.
Ukrainian authorities say the recent surge of attacks on Belgorod is a direct response to Russia's onslaught on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. President Zelensky commented that if Russia aims to leave Ukrainians powerless, they would retaliate in kind.
Although electricity outages were previously localized, Belgorod city has faced frequent power cuts since this autumn. Local authorities admit they lack the capacity to provide backup generators for residents, urging them to buy their own amid rising fuel shortages.
As the situation develops, Belgorod's residents share their experiences of living in fear as reminders of the ongoing conflict become constant in their daily lives. The perception of safety previously held until September has dramatically shifted, instilling a deep sense of anxiety and the reality of war into their lives.
