Ukraine fired hundreds of drones into Russia, killing two people and setting multiple buildings ablaze, according to Russian officials. The strikes targeted an export terminal in Rostov region and oil facilities in Yaroslavl and Udmurtia regions. In Rostov-on-Don, a married couple was killed, and warehouses were set on fire. In Belgorod, 12 people were wounded, including two children, and an apartment building was set ablaze. Russian air defences intercepted 276 drones during the night.
Targeted Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his forces struck an export terminal in the Rostov region, approximately 250 kilometres from the front line. Additionally, oil facilities in the Yaroslavl region and the Udmurt Republic, located 1,300 kilometres from Ukraine's border, were targeted.
Casualties and Damage
The governors of the Rostov, Yaroslavl, and Udmurtia regions reported nighttime drone attacks. In Rostov-on-Don, the strikes resulted in the deaths of a married couple and damaged multiple buildings, including a homeless shelter. In the Belgorod region, 12 people were wounded, and an apartment building was set on fire.
Escalating Conflict
Ukraine has escalated its retaliatory strikes on Russia in recent months, partly to pressure Moscow to negotiate after nearly four-and-a-half years of war. Last month was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022, as Moscow increased its long-range strikes on towns and cities across Ukraine, according to the United Nations.