Ukraine Launches Drone Attacks Deep Behind Enemy Lines

Ukrainian drone attacks targeted two Russian regions bordering Ukraine overnight, as well as Crimea, the annexed Black Sea peninsula, officials said.

Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday that its air defense systems destroyed 11 drones over the border region of Kursk; three drones over the Belgorod region, which also borders Ukraine; and five drones over the Black Sea and Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Alexey Smirnov, the interim governor for the Kursk region, said falling drone debris injured and burned two people.

"They were provided with the necessary medical assistance on the spot," he said on Telegram. "I remind you that you should not approach or touch the wreckage of missiles, drones, as they can cause harm."

The attack on Kursk comes days after local authorities said a Ukrainian drone attack caused a blaze at a factory in the region's town of Korenevo, which produces electrical devices. Footage posted on social media showed the building engulfed in flames.

There have been a string of mysterious fires in Russia since President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Ukraine rarely claims responsibility for strikes on Russian soil, but the Kremlin has accused Kyiv of trying to carry out terrorist attacks using drones.

Newsweek has contacted Ukraine's Foreign Ministry for comment by email.

Russia also attacked Ukrainian regions overnight, local officials said.

Oleg Sinegubov, the Kharkiv regional governor, said Russia's forces launched two strikes on residential buildings in the city of Chuhuiv, injuring seven people, damaging cars and causing windows to shatter.

"Around 4 o'clock in the morning, the enemy insidiously hit the residential building in the central part of the city twice," Sinegubov said on Telegram, sharing images of the destruction. He added, "Rescuers, doctors, law enforcement agencies—all emergency services are working to eliminate the consequences of Russian terror."

Russia used Iskander missiles to attack the city, the National Police of Ukraine said.

"Nine people were injured, including a 14-year-old boy. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition," the National Police of Ukraine said on Telegram. "As a result of the attack, 10 cars were completely burned. Three apartment buildings and one private house, two shops, and an administration building were damaged."

Newsweek has contacted Russia's Defense Ministry for comment by email.

Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the Kherson regional military administration, said on Friday that a 72-year-old woman was killed in her home after a Russian attack on the town of Bilozerka.

"The Russians fired on a residential building in Bilozerka in the morning," he said. "As a result, a 72-year-old local resident was killed in her own home. My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."

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