Ukraine Strikes Belgorod Energy Facilities After Deadly Russian Attack on Kyiv

The Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) struck the Russian city of Belgorod with missiles early on Friday, July 3, reportedly targeting energy infrastructure, according to the regional operational headquarters.

“A civilian was killed as a result of a missile strike. Energy infrastructure facilities were severely damaged,” the statement said.

Following the attack, several municipalities were left without electricity and water. Five vehicles were also damaged.

According to Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov, the woman who died was inside her car at the time of the strike.

Local outlet Pepel Belgorod reported that the Yuzhnaya electrical substation and the Energo thermal power plant were hit. Both facilities reportedly caught fire, sending thick black smoke over the city.

Serhiy Sternenko, adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister, said the missile strike targeted the Michurinsk thermal power plant, causing partial power and water outages.

“Communication and internet problems are also being reported,” he wrote.

The Michurinsk thermal power plant is considered a key energy facility supporting the production and administrative operations of Belenergomash-BZEM, a major Russian industrial enterprise that manufactures pipes, metal structures, and energy equipment.

Russian media noted that Ukrainian forces had previously targeted Belgorod’s energy infrastructure during the winter in response to similar Russian strikes on Ukrainian facilities. Those attacks periodically left the city of more than 320,000 residents without electricity, heating, and water.

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More Than 2 Million Military Casualties in Ukraine War: Study

The report estimates Russia has sustained far heavier losses, with up to 450,000 troops killed and casualty rates increasingly outpacing those of Ukraine.

The strike came one day after Russian forces launched a massive attack on Kyiv overnight July 1-2.

Direct hits struck multi-story residential buildings in several districts of the capital. In total, around 20 buildings, a hotel, an ambulance station, and a zoo were damaged.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS), 30 people were killed and about 100 others were injured.

Kyiv City Military Administration (KMVA) chief Tymur Tkachenko said three more people remain missing, and rescue teams are continuing search operations.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 570 aerial weapons, including ballistic missiles, during the attack. Air defenses reportedly intercepted 524 of them.

Vitali Klitschko called the assault on Kyiv the most massive since the start of the full-scale war. July 3 was declared a day of mourning in the capital.