Russia and Ukraine exchanged reports of repelling numerous air attacks late Tuesday and early Wednesday, escalating tensions along their borders.
Russian officials claimed success in intercepting Ukraine-launched missiles and drones over bordering regions like Belgorod, Kursk, and Voronezh. Additionally, drones were downed deeper within Russian territory in the Saratov region.
The intensified bombardment, particularly in Ukraine’s northeastern border region of Sumy, prompted Kyiv to order civilian evacuations.
The Russian Defence Ministry, communicating via the Telegram messaging app, reported the interception of a dozen rockets and missiles over the Belgorod region by Tuesday evening.
They intercepted two more missiles, including a U.S.-made Patriot, over the neighboring Kursk region.
Early Wednesday, Governor Roman Busargin of the Saratov region announced the interception of two Ukraine-launched drones near the city of Engels, where Russia maintains a strategic bomber military base. Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage were reported from the attacks.
Belgorod’s Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov revealed plans to temporarily relocate 1,200 children from high-risk areas to other Russian regions by the week’s end. Additionally, approximately 9,000 people have requested evacuation assistance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denounced Russia’s relentless attacks on the Sumy region in his nightly video address. He highlighted the substantial impact of Russian airstrikes on civilian communities and infrastructure.
Local authorities in Sumy reported 30 instances of shelling on Tuesday, resulting in one fatality in the border community of Velyka Pysarivka. Evacuation efforts initiated the previous week, have seen around 200 individuals relocated from endangered areas near Velyka Pysarivka.
Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. However, the increased use of drones and air weapons has shifted the conflict dynamics, emphasizing attacks on military and civilian infrastructure.
