Massive Ukrainian drone attack hits shopping center in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, locals say
MegaGRINN is the largest shopping complex in Belgorod, covering over 163,000 square meters and housing more than 200 shops. The center was closed and empty of visitors during the reported overnight attack.
A massive Ukrainian drone attack struck a shopping center in Belgorod Oblast, Russia on the night of Oct. 25, according to local officials and eyewitness footage shared on social media. The primary target was the MegaGRINN shopping complex, the largest retail and entertainment center in Belgorod, covering over 163,000 square meters and housing more than 200 stores, a supermarket, cinema, and restaurants.
The facility was closed and empty during the assault. Eyewitnesses reported a fire in a nearby residential complex. The Belgorod Oblast Operational Headquarters reported a significant UAV attack, dispatching emergency services to the affected areas, though they did not specify any targets. Initial reports suggest casualties, but Russian authorities have yet to provide damage or casualty details.
Eyewitness videos show explosions, fires, and air defense activities over Belgorod. The city sits just 34 kilometers from Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia and about 70 kilometers from Kharkiv, making it a frequent target for Ukrainian attacks. Previous strikes on Belgorod have targeted energy infrastructure and logistics warehouses, including those of the Russian retail giant Ozon.
This recent drone blitz on Belgorod follows Ukraine's confirmation that its Starshield system, a military application of Starlink satellite internet, was restored to full speed on Oct. 24, enhancing Ukraine's capability to coordinate drone strikes on Russian targets. The restoration of Starshield, which had been operating at reduced speed since Oct.
14, disrupted critical military missions and Ukraine's ability to shoot down Russian jet-powered drones.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
