MOSCOW: Ukrainian missile strikes killed six people and wounded four others, including a child, in Russia’s Belgorod region on Monday, a day after Moscow and Kyiv exchanged deadly long-range attacks.
Belgorod acting governor Alexander Shuvaev said missiles struck the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, around 15 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
The attack caused a fire and damaged a vehicle, according to the governor.
The latest casualties came after Russia and Ukraine carried out missile and drone attacks deep inside each other’s territory on Sunday, killing 19 people across both countries.
Russia had launched a wave of strikes across Ukraine, hitting the country’s largest steel plant in Kryvyi Rih and targets in Kyiv and other areas.
Two people were killed and 14 injured at the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steel plant, while separate attacks caused casualties elsewhere.
Long-range attacks intensify
Ukraine simultaneously launched a major drone operation against Russia, with Moscow saying its forces intercepted 822 drones across the country.
An 83-year-old man was killed in the Moscow region, while another person died when a drone struck a bus near Belgorod.
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A warehouse operated by Russian online retailer Wildberries was also hit south of Moscow. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Wildberries facilities, accusing the company of supplying components used in Russian drones.
Kyiv has also stepped up attacks on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure it says supports Moscow’s military campaign.
Russia, meanwhile, continues near-daily missile and drone strikes on Ukraine and has recently increased its use of ballistic missiles.
Civilian casualties have risen as long-range attacks intensify. United Nations figures showed 437 civilians were killed in Ukraine during July, the highest monthly toll since May 2022.
Russian authorities reported 79 civilian deaths on their side during the same month.
