Fires seen in Russia's Belgorod amid reported Ukrainian drone attack - The Kyiv Independent

A reported Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian city of Belgorod caused fires and damage to residential and commercial buildings. Local officials claim 13 injuries, while the attack occurred near a thermal power plant and an FSB headquarters.
Why it matters
The strike underscores the ongoing escalation of cross-border drone warfare and the increasing vulnerability of Russian infrastructure near the Ukrainian front line.
(Updated: August 9, 2026 12:41 pm ) • 2 min read Prefer on Google by Dmytro Basmat A fire burns in the Russian city of Belgorod overnight on Aug. 9, 2026 following a reported Ukrainian attack on the city. (Exilenova_plus/Telegram) Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukraine's military reportedly launched a wide-ranging drone attack on the Russian city of Belgorod overnight on Aug. 9, Russian Telegram media channels reported.
Photos and videos posted to social media purport to show fires at residential buildings within the city. Substantial damage was reported at several buildings, including the Avtograd shopping center which independent Russian Telegram channel Astra reports is "partially destroyed."
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