Explosions in Belgorod Oblast claimed to be air defense at work, governor

The air defense of Belgorod and the surrounding area downed 12 aerial targets, he said.

The aftermath is being clarified by the relevant services, he added.

The explosions mark the fourth Russian Oblast to have unidentified UAVs over the past day, after reports from Kursk, Moscow, and Rostov oblasts.

Unidentified drones also attacked neighboring Kursk Oblast overnight on Aug. 20. Explosions were heard near the train station, which was followed by a fire.

Drones again attempted to attack Moscow on the same night. The capital's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports were closed for departures and arrivals. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed that Russian air defense "neutralized drones approaching Moscow from the south."

Three unidentified drones were reportedly downed over Rostov Oblast the same day, with two of them falling on a military base.