Full restoration of energy supply in Belgorod is impossible
Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that even with substantial assistance, it will not be possible to fully resolve the energy crisis in the region.
Due to high consumption at factories, mining and metallurgical plants, and among the population, as well as extensive destruction, restrictions or a complete shutdown of heating, electricity, water supply, and sewage services are possible. All 22 municipal entities of the region—around 1.5 million people—could be affected.
Gladkov recalled that authorities have already advised residents to purchase their own generators. Municipal leaders have been instructed to collect data on bedridden patients and infants living in buildings where it is impossible to install generators. These vulnerable groups are planned to be temporarily relocated to heated facilities. Generators have already been installed where possible in social institutions such as kindergartens, schools, and boiler houses.
In addition, the governor ordered authorities to contact owners of federal retail chains and mobile operators who failed to provide backup power for their facilities. According to officials, during the blackout the degradation of mobile communications exceeded 60%, despite operators being required to maintain base station operations for at least six hours after a power outage. Prosecutors are expected to be involved to address the issue.
Gladkov emphasized that the situation is extremely difficult, energy infrastructure has suffered catastrophic damage, and the measures being taken are enormous but affect all aspects of life in the region.
In Belgorod, shopping centers have begun closing due to large-scale power outages following strikes on energy infrastructure. Mobile communication towers are also being shut down en masse.
