Local authorities reported early Wednesday that at least three individuals have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries due to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting regions in southern Russia overnight.

In the Belgorod region, which is currently facing challenges in restoring electricity, heating, and water services following Ukrainian attacks over the weekend, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that two civilians were killed as a result of the drone strikes.

To the south, in Rostov-on-Don, a drone crashed into an apartment building, leading to the death of a man after a fire broke out in the residence, according to Governor Yury Slyusar.

Additionally, four other individuals, including a four-year-old child, were injured in separate drone attacks elsewhere in the Rostov region, which ignited fires at multiple industrial locations, as per Slyusar’s statement.

The Russian Defence Ministry announced that it had successfully intercepted and destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones across Russia and Crimea during the same night. Over 24 of these drones were reportedly neutralized over the Rostov region, according to the ministry.

On the Ukrainian side, military authorities indicated that they managed to shoot down more than 100 Russian drones that were launched toward Ukraine overnight.

Both Ukraine and Russia frequently conduct drone and missile strikes on each other’s territories. Officials in Kyiv defend their attacks by claiming they are a response to Russia’s comprehensive invasion and ongoing occupation of Ukrainian lands.

Notably, Ukraine has increased its assaults on Russia’s energy infrastructure since the summer in an attempt to diminish Moscow’s oil revenues, which are a critical source of financing for its military operations.