Key facts
- Ukraine reportedly conducted an overnight missile strike on Belgorod, Russia, on July 4, 2026.
- The strike damaged infrastructure, leading to widespread power and water disruptions.
- Eyewitnesses reported a missile attack, and a missile threat was declared in the region.
- Photos and videos on social media suggest the Luch thermal power plant may have been targeted.
- Ukraine has intensified strikes against Russian energy facilities in recent months.
Ukraine launched an overnight attack on the Russian city of Belgorod and the surrounding region on July 4, 2026, striking key infrastructure and causing widespread blackouts, according to eyewitnesses and acting Governor Alexander Shuvaev. The regional center faced "massive strikes" overnight, Shuvaev reported. "In Belgorod, infrastructure objects were damaged, as a result of which disruptions in the supply of electricity and water were recorded," he said. Preliminary information indicates no casualties. Several infrastructure facilities caught fire, Shuvaev stated, without disclosing details about the targets. Eyewitnesses claimed Belgorod was struck by a missile, and a missile threat was declared in the region. Footage and photographs published on local Telegram channels indicated a possible attack on the Luch thermal power plant, which has previously been targeted in Ukrainian strikes. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports at the time of publication. Ukraine has previously targeted the border region of Belgorod Oblast with drones and missiles, damaging energy infrastructure in an effort to return the full-scale war to Russia. Locals reported on July 2 that Ukraine attacked an energy equipment plant in Belgorod. Belgorod lies approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.