Ukrainian Drones Strike Multiple Regions, Civilians Injured in Belgorod

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted multiple regions in Russia on Tuesday, resulting in civilian injuries and damage to infrastructure. Authorities in the Belgorod region reported at least six civilians wounded due to missile strikes, with additional injuries caused by drone impacts on residential buildings. The incidents underscore the escalating conflict as Ukraine increasingly employs drone strikes to reach targets deep within Russian territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that air defenses intercepted at least 19 drones between 19:00 and 23:00 Moscow time across several regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, Rostov, and the Crimean Peninsula. Earlier in the day, the ministry reported the destruction of an additional 92 drones across ten regions, including Moscow.

In the Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that civilian injuries were reported following missile strikes. One man sustained shrapnel wounds and barotrauma after a drone struck a residential building. He was transported to a local hospital in moderate condition. The blast also damaged the building’s facade and affected an administrative office nearby. Power and water supplies were disrupted in parts of the Krasnaya Yaruga district, leaving residents temporarily without electricity. Emergency crews began repairs after receiving clearance from the Defense Ministry, with Gladkov assuring that work would be completed by morning.

The situation in the Rostov region also reported drone activity, with the mayor of Taganrog, Svetlana Kamabulova, confirming that drones were shot down over the city. Emergency services responded to the area, although no casualties were reported from the falling debris.

These drone strikes follow a series of raids across Russia in recent days. On Monday evening and early Tuesday, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced that air defenses had intercepted 32 drones around the capital. Debris from these interceptions caused damage to several vehicles in the surrounding suburbs.

Ukraine has increasingly turned to drone warfare as a strategic tool to target military and civilian infrastructure deep within Russia. The Kremlin has condemned these actions, labeling them as acts of “terrorism.” This follows a recent attack on a wellness complex in Crimea that resulted in three civilian deaths and injuries to 16 others. In response, Russia has intensified its military operations, conducting retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military targets, including drone assembly and storage facilities.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the implications of these drone strikes highlight the increasing use of aerial warfare and its impact on civilian populations in both countries.