Ukrainian Drone Attack in Belgorod Kills Two, 22 Drones Downed

Deadly Strike in Stary Oskol

A Ukrainian drone attack targeting Russia's Belgorod region overnight on February 2, 2026, resulted in the deaths of two civilians and the destruction of 22 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the area. The incident, confirmed by Russian authorities, marks another escalation in cross-border hostilities.

The fatal strike occurred in the town of Stary Oskol, located north of the Ukrainian border. According to Belgorod regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, a Ukrainian drone hit a residential building, which subsequently caught fire and partially collapsed. Rescuers at the scene recovered the bodies of two individuals. Gladkov shared images of the damaged home engulfed in flames and smoke. Local residents reportedly heard multiple loud blasts and saw bright flashes in the sky during the overnight assault.

Widespread Drone Interceptions Reported

Russia's Defense Ministry reported a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack, stating that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a total of 31 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles overnight on February 2. Of these, 22 drones were specifically downed over the Belgorod region. Additional interceptions were reported in other southern Russian regions, including four UAVs over Krasnodar Krai, two over Rostov Region, and one each over Astrakhan, Bryansk, and Kursk regions.

Ongoing Cross-Border Hostilities

This latest attack underscores the ongoing drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides regularly launching UAVs at each other's territory. Ukrainian officials have often justified their strikes as retaliation for Russia's full-scale invasion and continuous bombardments. The Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk regions, has frequently been a target due to its strategic proximity to the border.