Russia says the southwestern province of Belgorod was bombarded with drone attacks on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. Earlier there were already fighting in Belgorod, just across the Ukrainian border. Two armed Russian opposition groups claimed responsibility. Russia says the attacks were coordinated by Ukraine. Kyiv denies involvement.
Russian authorities say anti-aircraft fire has repelled most drone strikes. There have been no injuries or deaths. However, a number of buildings and vehicles were damaged.
Russia previously said it had driven the attackers out of Belgorod. More than 70 fighters were killed. Russia spoke of an anti-terror operation. It was the largest fighting on Russian soil since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The two anti-Kremlin groups that allegedly entered Belgorod, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps, allegedly had armored vehicles. It is unclear how many fighters were involved in the fighting.
According to the governor of Belgorod, nine people are still in hospital who were injured by the fighting in the border area.