Ukrainian drone strikes on southern Russia have resulted in casualties and significant damage, officials reported. A 9-year-old boy was tragically killed when a drone struck his family's home outside Belgorod, a Russian city near the border with Ukraine. The boy's mother and 7-month-old sister were injured and hospitalized as a result of the attack.
Additionally, a major oil terminal in the Oryol region of southern Russia was targeted by Ukrainian drones, causing a massive blaze. The General Staff of Ukraine confirmed the strike, with photos showing large plumes of smoke engulfing the facility.
Despite the retaliation, Russia continued its drone attacks on Ukrainian territory, launching a total of 132 munitions. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept and down 58 drones, while 72 others veered off course, likely due to electronic jamming.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the strikes on Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities were in response to a previous Ukrainian attack on a Russian air base using the Army Tactical Missile System. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with around half of it destroyed during the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of terrorizing millions of people with its assaults. The situation remains tense as Russia continues its military offensives in eastern Ukraine, steadily advancing through Ukrainian defenses.
As the conflict escalates, the international community closely watches the developments. The incoming U.S. President has expressed intentions to end the war, raising questions about the future of U.S. military support for Ukraine.
