At least nine people were killed in a fresh wave of long-range drone and missile attacks exchanged between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides intensified strikes far beyond the front lines. Officials in both countries reported civilian casualties following overnight attacks on key infrastructure, warehouses and urban areas.
According to regional authorities, five people were killed and 10 others injured after a Ukrainian drone struck a warehouse in Russia’s Moscow region. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine claimed four lives, including two children, in attacks on the northern city of Sumy and the southern port city of Mykolaiv.
Warehouse attacks reported across Russia
Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said a Ukrainian drone hit a warehouse overnight, resulting in five fatalities and multiple injuries. The strike formed part of a series of attacks targeting warehouse facilities in different parts of Russia.
Another warehouse operated by Russian e-commerce company Wildberries in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, was also hit by drones. The company confirmed that a fire broke out after a separate warehouse near St. Petersburg came under attack.
Ukraine has previously alleged that Wildberries supports Russia’s military logistics by supplying dual-use goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The company has not publicly responded to those allegations.
Wildberries tightens employee security measures
Following repeated drone attacks on its facilities, Wildberries introduced stricter security rules for employees. The company prohibited staff from carrying smartphones with cameras inside warehouses, allowing only basic mobile phones without cameras.
According to reports, the measure is intended to prevent photos or videos from being shared that could help Ukrainian forces assess Russian air defence positions near the company’s logistics centres.
Oil refinery also targeted
Authorities also reported a drone attack on the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region. The strike triggered a fire at the facility, although officials did not immediately release information regarding casualties or the extent of the damage.
Russian strikes hit Sumy and Mykolaiv
In Ukraine, officials said Russian attacks overnight killed at least four people. Three victims, including two children, died in strikes on the northeastern city of Sumy, while an elderly woman was killed in a separate attack on the southern port city of Mykolaiv near the Black Sea.
Russia’s state-run news agency RIA also reported that Russian forces struck seven cargo vessels in the port of Mykolaiv during the latest round of attacks. Ukrainian authorities have not independently confirmed the reported damage to the vessels.
Zelenskyy seeks to increase pressure before winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he intends to intensify efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict before winter. However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that achieving such an outcome may prove difficult, accusing Moscow of prolonging the war rather than pursuing a negotiated settlement.
The latest attacks come as long-range drone and missile strikes continue to expand beyond active battlefields, increasing the risk to civilians and critical infrastructure in both countries.
Civilian casualties continue to mount
The exchange of long-range attacks has led to a growing number of civilian deaths on both sides. On Monday, seven people were killed and more than 50 others injured after a Ukrainian drone reportedly crashed onto a beach in Russia’s Krasnodar region near Gelendzhik. Reports indicated the drone had been intercepted before falling into the crowded area.
Ukraine has not commented on that incident but has consistently stated that it does not deliberately target civilian locations.
Additional security incidents reported
In Russian-controlled Crimea, authorities said a soldier was arrested after allegedly killing a fellow serviceman and three civilians. Moscow-installed Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Separately, three crew members were seriously injured after a drone struck a Turkish cargo ship in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Türkiye’s maritime authority said all 22 crew members were safely evacuated following the attack.
Türkiye later called on both Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, expressing concern over attacks affecting civilian shipping despite repeated diplomatic appeals.
Conflict continues beyond frontline areas
The latest exchange of strikes highlights the growing reach of the conflict, with drone and missile attacks increasingly targeting logistics hubs, energy facilities, ports and civilian areas far from the battlefield. As both sides continue long-range operations, concerns are mounting over the humanitarian impact and the rising toll on civilians.
Source: Al Jazeera
