At least seven civilians were killed and dozens of people injured after Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight missile and drone strikes, according to statements from local authorities on both sides.
The latest attacks underline the continuing intensity of the Russia Ukraine war, with both countries carrying out long range strikes against targets and population centres well beyond the immediate frontline.
In Russia, Ukrainian drone attacks were reported in the western Belgorod region. Local authorities said five people were killed and around two dozen others were injured in the attacks. Residential buildings and other properties were reportedly damaged in several locations.
The Belgorod region borders Ukraine and has frequently been affected by Ukrainian drone and missile attacks during the conflict. Russian officials have repeatedly reported attacks in the region and accused Ukrainian forces of targeting civilian areas and infrastructure.
Ukraine also came under renewed attack during the overnight period. Russian strikes hit the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where local authorities reported two civilian deaths. A missile strike reportedly damaged a residential building, while dozens of people were injured in the wider attack.
Kharkiv has been repeatedly targeted during the war because of its proximity to the Russian border and its strategic importance. The city has experienced missile, drone and other attacks since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa was also affected by Russian attacks. Local authorities reported injuries and damage following an overnight barrage involving missiles and drones. Odesa is strategically important because of its Black Sea location and its role in Ukraine's transport and export infrastructure.
The latest attacks demonstrate the continuing importance of drones in the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have increasingly relied on unmanned aerial vehicles for long distance attacks, reconnaissance and strikes against military and infrastructure targets.
Russia has carried out large scale drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine has expanded its ability to launch long range drone attacks against targets inside Russia.
The use of drones has significantly changed the nature of the conflict. Unlike traditional artillery attacks, long range drones can travel hundreds of kilometres and threaten areas far from the frontline. Their relatively lower cost compared with some missile systems has also made them an important component of military operations for both sides.
The latest exchange comes amid continuing diplomatic uncertainty over the possibility of negotiations to end the war. Despite periodic discussions about a ceasefire and peace talks, military operations have continued, with both sides seeking to maintain pressure on the other.
Civilian casualties remain one of the most serious consequences of the conflict. Residential buildings, transport facilities and other civilian infrastructure have repeatedly been damaged during attacks, forcing local authorities to maintain emergency response operations.
Emergency services in affected areas have been working to search damaged buildings, treat injured residents and assess the extent of destruction. Authorities have also urged residents to follow air raid warnings and take shelter when attacks are reported.
The situation remains particularly difficult in areas close to the Russian Ukrainian border. Residents in Belgorod and other Russian border regions have faced repeated drone attacks, while Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv and Odesa continue to face missile and drone threats.
The conflicting claims from Russia and Ukraine about military targets and responsibility for individual incidents cannot always be independently verified. Civilian casualty figures are also subject to change as emergency services continue their assessments.
The latest overnight attacks nevertheless show that the conflict remains capable of causing casualties far from active ground combat zones. Long range strikes have become a central part of the war, increasing risks for civilians on both sides.
For Ukraine, continued Russian attacks have increased pressure on its air defence systems and emergency services. For Russia, Ukrainian drone operations have expanded the geographic reach of the conflict and created additional security concerns in border and other regions.
International governments continue to monitor the escalation closely, particularly because further attacks could affect diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities.
The latest deaths and injuries add to the growing civilian toll of the prolonged conflict. While both countries continue to pursue their military objectives, civilians remain exposed to the consequences of missile and drone warfare.
The immediate focus in the affected regions is on assisting injured people, repairing damaged infrastructure and maintaining public safety. Further developments will depend on the scale of military operations and any progress towards diplomatic negotiations.
For now, the overnight exchange of strikes represents another escalation in the continuing Russia Ukraine conflict, with civilian deaths reported in both countries and dozens of people injured