7 killed in Ukraine drone strike on Russian beach

At least seven people, including three children, were killed and 40 others injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on a crowded beach in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, Russian officials said.

The attack took place near the Black Sea resort village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, a popular tourist destination. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians, though Kyiv has not commented on the allegation. Both Russia and Ukraine deny intentionally targeting civilians during the war.

Videos verified by the BBC show a drone flying toward the beach before exploding near tourists. Ukrainian Telegram channels claimed the drone lost control after being disrupted by electronic jamming, while Russian media reported witnesses heard gunfire before the blast, suggesting Russian air defence systems may have attempted to intercept it.

Witnesses said no air raid sirens were heard before the explosion. “We hid behind sun loungers. We didn’t even realise where the explosion happened,” one tourist said.

Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone attacks inside Russia over the past year, saying it targets military and energy infrastructure. Some of the strikes, however, have also resulted in civilian casualties.