Residents of Russia's Belgorod region say blackouts, air-raid sirens and the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly common, as Kyiv retaliates against repeated bombardments of its cities with cross-border strikes of its own. It's so loud and so terrifying, says Nina, a Belgorod resident who asked us to change her name. I was coming back from the clinic when a siren went off. As usual, I received Telegram alerts about a drone attack. Then bursts of automatic gunfire broke out, I ran into a nearby courtyard and tried to hide under an arch, she recalls. The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Belgorod region has increased nearly fourfold since the start of 2025, according to BBC News Russian analysis based on data from local authorities. In September, more than 4,000 drones were recorded in the region, compared with around 1,100 in January. Recent strikes have left many neighborhoods in darkness as electricity cuts grip the region. Local authorities admit they are struggling to cope with the situation, and residents express growing concerns about the future, with winter approaching. Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated that this increase in drone activity is a direct response to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine, highlighting the escalating conflict amidst a humanitarian toll on both sides.