Over 100 Civilians Hurt in New Ukrainian Strikes, Says Russia
In a fresh escalation of the ongoing war, Russian officials reported that more than 100 civilians were injured following a wave of Ukrainian strikes on border regions over the weekend. The attacks, which targeted residential and civilian infrastructure, reportedly struck areas in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions.
According to Russian authorities, Ukrainian forces launched artillery and drone attacks that left dozens wounded and caused widespread damage. Officials from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry claimed that around 33 drones and several rocket systems were used in the assault, which they say specifically targeted non-military zones.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko confirmed the injuries, stating that medical teams were swiftly dispatched to assist the wounded. “More than 100 people are being treated for various injuries, ranging from minor wounds to serious trauma,” he said. He also noted that several children were among those hurt, though no fatalities have been reported so far.
Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated on social media that local hospitals were under pressure but functioning, and emergency responders were working around the clock to stabilize the situation. He added that temporary shelters had been set up for those forced to evacuate their homes.
The Russian Defence Ministry later announced that most of the drones used in the attacks had been intercepted by air defenses, preventing what could have been an even greater tragedy. Still, the scale of the damage on the ground has added to growing concerns among residents living near the Ukrainian border.
In response to the strikes, the Russian military claimed it conducted retaliatory operations, targeting Ukrainian military facilities involved in planning and executing the assault. Details on the nature and extent of these operations were not immediately disclosed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have not issued an official response to the allegations. In past statements, Ukraine has defended its right to strike military targets inside Russia, particularly those used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.
The situation highlights the increasing volatility of the war, which has now entered its third year with no sign of de-escalation. As both sides continue to exchange fire across the border, the toll on civilians remains alarmingly high.
International observers have urged both nations to avoid targeting non-combatants, warning that such actions could further complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
This latest round of violence adds to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, with many fearing that further cross-border escalations could drag more civilians into the line of fire.