Russia says seven killed and 40 injured by Ukrainian drone hitting busy beach
A drone strike on a beach in southern Russia resulted in seven deaths and 40 injuries, according to local officials who blamed Ukraine. While Ukraine has not commented, reports suggest the drone may have been diverted by electronic warfare systems.
Why it matters
The incident represents a significant escalation in civilian casualties within Russian territory during the ongoing conflict.
Figure caption, Drone hits Russian beach resort
A drone hit a busy beach in southern Russia, killing seven people including three children, local authorities have said.
In social media footage verified by the BBC, a drone can be seen hurtling towards a cliffside before crashing into a fireball on the beach below as tourists look on from the shore and in the water.
The total number of injured reached 40, with 17 people hospitalised, said the governor of the Krasnodar region Veniamin Kondratyev.
He accused Ukraine of "a deliberate strike on civilians". Ukraine has not commented. Both sides deny targeting civilians deliberately.
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