Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has threatened to impose a blackout on Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions in response to recent large-scale power outages across Ukraine caused by Russian missile strikes on its energy infrastructure.
Zelensky’s Warning to Russia
Zelensky stated that the planned response would target the neighboring Russian regions bordering Ukraine, highlighting that Kyiv “will not show weakness.” The Ukrainian leader’s statement followed severe power disruptions in multiple parts of the country due to ongoing Russian attacks on critical facilities.
At the end of September, Zelensky had already threatened to trigger a blackout in Moscow. While he then emphasized that Ukraine would not strike the Russian capital’s energy system first, he also warned that his country would defend itself resolutely.
Strikes Deep into Russian Territory
The president also confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were conducting extensive drone and missile strikes deep inside Russian territory. He mentioned the use of a new generation of domestic weapons — including the Palyanytsia missile-drone, the Ruta reactive drone, the Lyutyi drone, and the Neptune and Flamingo missiles.
“We are achieving significant results using our long-range sanctions against Russia,” Zelensky said, referring to Ukraine’s new wave of deep-strike operations.
Secret Production of Flamingo Missiles
Reports indicate that the Flamingo cruise missiles are being developed at a classified Ukrainian facility known as Fire Point. The missile is believed to have enhanced range and precision, giving Ukraine a new strategic tool for long-distance retaliation.
Energy Crisis Forces Ukrainians to Cook Outdoors
Meanwhile, the continuing blackout crisis has hit ordinary Ukrainians hard. On October 7, the outlet Strana.ua reported that residents of Shostka in Sumy Region began cooking on open fires due to days-long power and gas outages. Locals shared photos on social media of makeshift stoves and outdoor cooking setups.
Ukraine Builds Backup Battery Network
On October 6, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Ukraine had built a hidden network of battery parks to ensure temporary power supply during extended blackouts. The system reportedly includes six large battery installations located in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts—enough to power around 600,000 homes for two hours.
As the energy war between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, both sides continue to weaponize infrastructure, signaling that the upcoming winter could bring even harsher conditions for civilians on both sides of the border.
