Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Residential Areas in Russia’s Kursk Region, Injuring 14

 Kursk Region, Russia – May 31, 2025, A series of Ukrainian drone attacks struck multiple locations in Russia’s Kursk Region over the past 24 hours, injuring at least 14 civilians, including four children, regional authorities confirmed on Saturday.

According to Acting Governor Aleksandr Khinshteyn, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeted residential buildings in several towns and villages, causing widespread damage and triggering emergency response efforts across the region.

In the town of Rylsk, two five-story apartment buildings sustained direct hits, leaving seven residents injured. Among the victims was a family with two young children, some of whom were hospitalized with shrapnel injuries. In the nearby village of Artakovo, drone strikes damaged two residential structures and a garage, hospitalizing a family of three who were present during the attack.

Later reports from the Lgov District revealed that two more children were wounded in an additional UAV strike. Both were transported to local hospitals in moderate condition and are receiving medical treatment, Khinshteyn noted.

Beyond the residential areas, a drone reportedly targeted an agricultural facility in Rylsk District, resulting in a fire and minor injuries to two individuals. Emergency crews contained the blaze, which officials said caused significant property damage.

In a separate incident Saturday afternoon, the village of Begoscha was hit, where a drone ignited a private residence. A 97-year-old woman who lived in the home was safely evacuated and was not harmed, authorities said.

Governor Khinshteyn issued a public appeal for vigilance: “The enemy continues to carry out indiscriminate and cowardly attacks on our region. I urge all residents to stay alert and prioritize their safety.”

These attacks come amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Moscow, following a rare direct negotiation session held in Istanbul on May 16—the first such dialogue between the two sides in nearly three years. While Russia has proposed a second round of talks for June 2, Ukraine has not yet formally responded.

At a UN Security Council meeting on Friday, Russia’s Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Ukraine of manipulating ceasefire discussions to mislead Western mediators, particularly the United States, which is attempting to facilitate a truce.

Nebenzia also rejected accusations that Russian forces are targeting civilians in Ukraine, asserting that Moscow’s military operations are focused solely on strategic and military targets.

As cross-border hostilities intensify, the situation underscores the growing complexity of the conflict, with the civilian toll rising on both sides amid faltering diplomatic momentum.