A devastating Ukrainian strike has claimed the lives of three individuals and left at least nine others injured in Russia’s Belgorod region. The attack, which occurred early Wednesday morning in the village of Maslova Pristan, has prompted a search for people believed to be trapped under rubble.
This marks the third consecutive day of Ukrainian strikes targeting the region, resulting in widespread power outages for thousands and causing at least two previous fatalities. While Ukraine has not officially commented on these specific attacks, they have been known to target Russian infrastructure throughout the ongoing conflict.
Adding to the escalation, Russian attacks have also impacted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing power disruptions in several areas, according to Ukraine’s energy regulator. This exchange of attacks comes as both nations face the approaching winter, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noting Russia’s focus on Ukraine’s energy facilities and Kyiv’s actions against Russian oil refineries.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that Wednesday’s drone and missile attacks caused significant damage, including to homes, vehicles, and power lines across multiple districts. Images shared from Maslova Pristan showed a sports center with extensive damage to its roof and walls, as rescue operations continued to clear debris.
Further casualties were reported in the town of Moshchenoye, where six people, including a child, were injured by a rocket and drone strike on a truck. Another man sustained injuries when his car was hit in Masychevo. These incidents follow two days of similar attacks that led to blackouts and structural damage in Belgorod city and surrounding areas. Verified videos depicted explosions and fires near a local power station on Tuesday night.
The impact of these attacks has been substantial, with reports indicating that nearly 40,000 residents experienced power cuts across seven municipalities. Meanwhile, Ukraine has significantly increased its strikes on Russian oil refineries in recent months, contributing to fuel shortages and price increases within Russia. At least 21 major Russian refineries have been targeted since January, impacting fuel availability across several regions.
In response to ongoing Russian aggressions, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down or disabling 154 drones on Wednesday, though 22 managed to strike targets in 11 locations, causing fires and damage to civilian infrastructure. The president highlighted the importance of supporting communities affected by these challenging times and the ongoing efforts to repair damaged energy facilities.
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