Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Russia of possible retaliatory strikes against the power grids of the Belgorod and Kursk regions if attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure lead to large-scale power outages.

In his address after the overnight shelling, Zelensky noted that Moscow "does not understand the cost of all these blackouts, dark nights, and all the challenges that Ukrainian citizens are experiencing."

The statement came amid recent incidents, including a blackout in Belgorod on September 28 following a strike on a local thermal power plant. Zelenskyy added that he discussed these threats with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for a proportionate response.