Ukrainian Strikes on Russia's Belgorod Kill Six, Injure Child, Official Says
At least six people were killed and four others injured in Ukrainian missile strikes on Russia's Belgorod region overnight, according to the region's acting governor Alexander Shuvaev.
Writing on Telegram early Monday, Shuvaev said a 14-year-old child was among those injured. The strikes also burned a building and damaged a car in the village of Koloskovo, located in the Valuysky district close to the Russia-Ukraine border. The injured child has been hospitalized, while two other people received medical assistance, he added.
The attack came just a night after Ukrainian forces launched what Russian officials described as the “largest-scale” attack by Ukraine this year, which killed at least seven people. In the same period, Russian attacks on Ukraine also killed at least seven people and injured more than 39 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The latest exchanges reflect an intensification of hostilities along the front lines and beyond. In recent weeks, Moscow has increased missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, while Kyiv has also stepped up drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, including in the Belgorod region which borders Ukraine.
The Belgorod region has been frequently hit by shelling and drone attacks since the war began in February 2022. Local authorities have regularly reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have neither confirmed nor denied these specific strikes, but have maintained that attacks on Russian territory are directed at military targets and critical infrastructure.
In a statement on Sunday, the Russian Ministry of Defence said its forces had intercepted and destroyed a number of Ukrainian drones overnight, without specifying the number. Ukraine, meanwhile, reported that Russian forces had launched dozens of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities, striking energy infrastructure and residential areas.
Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of targeting civilians, a charge that constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. The United Nations and other international organisations have repeatedly called for restraint and the protection of civilians. However, with no ceasefire in sight, the humanitarian toll continues to climb on both sides.
This report is based on information provided by the acting governor of Belgorod and statements from regional authorities. Independent verification of the claims is not possible at this time due to restricted access to conflict zones.
