The Voronezh region in southwestern Russia has declared a state of emergency in three settlements following a drone attack from Ukraine. The region, which borders Ukraine, experienced the shooting down of five drones overnight.
Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev announced the emergency on Telegram, stating that preliminary reports indicated no damage to civilian buildings. However, falling debris from the drones caused fires and explosions, and power outages were reported in the Ostrogozhsky district due to damage to powerlines.
Gusev explained that the state of emergency was declared to facilitate debris removal and address potential explosive hazards. Approximately 200 residents have been evacuated, with most being accommodated by relatives, while a temporary shelter has been set up for those in need.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted seven Ukrainian drones overnight, with five of them being destroyed over the Voronezh region. Ukrainian authorities have not yet responded to these claims.
The Voronezh region is situated east of the Kursk border area, which was the site of a Ukrainian incursion on August 5-6. Ukrainian forces entered the town of Sudzha, located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the incursion as a “large-scale provocation” and “terrorist attack,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later acknowledged it as a strategic operation aimed at establishing a “buffer zone” to mitigate Russian assaults.
