Summary
Russia claimed to have intercepted 20 drones and two ballistic missiles near the Ukraine border, with the Belgorod region facing frequent Ukrainian strikes.
Details of the Intercept
The Russian defense ministry reported that they neutralized a total of 20 drones, with 16 being shot down, along with two Tochka-U missiles and five distraction balloons.
Incident in Belgorod Region
The 16 drones and two missiles were taken down in the Belgorod region, which has been a target of near-daily Ukrainian strikes.
Attack on Chernihiv
A Russian missile strike on Chernihiv resulted in the death of 17 civilians and injuries to 60 others, including three children. The attack damaged several buildings and vehicles in the area.
Response from Ukrainian President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the need for stronger air defense systems to prevent such tragedies.
Recent Escalation
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, with Russia targeting critical infrastructure in Ukrainian cities.