Ukrainian missile attack in Belgorod results in six deaths

A strike in Belgorod, a Russian city near the Ukrainian border, has resulted in six deaths and four injuries, according to the regional governor. The exact circumstances of the attack have not been independently verified.

According to Russian authorities, the attack targeted a Wildberries location, considered the largest e-commerce platform in Russia. The company is also reported to be involved in supplying components for drones to the Ukrainian military.

Following this attack, Ukrainian sources report that bombings have intensified civilian casualties to levels not seen since the conflict began in 2022, with new Russian raids also noted on ports in the Black Sea and the Danube.

Ukrainian missiles have struck several targets, including a logistics center within Ukrainian territory, while there has been a surge in drone attacks on Moscow, with over a thousand drones launched in a 24-hour period, according to authorities.

The anti-war opposition party Yabloko has had a petition rejected and will therefore not participate in the upcoming elections, amid rising political and military tensions in the country.

Meanwhile, CNN has reported that Ukraine's stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles are depleted, with the most recent missiles inactive in a field. The situation on the ground remains critical, with authorities announcing their intention to continue long-range attacks.