A Ukrainian drone strike on a facility in Russia’s Rostov Region overnight led to the urgent evacuation of 73 children with disabilities, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at a boarding school, where the unmanned aircraft struck near the rear entrance, shattering windows and injuring two staff members who were hospitalized, reported acting regional governor Yury Slyusar on Wednesday.

Slyusar stated that Russian forces in the area had deployed electronic warfare systems to counter incoming Ukrainian drones, with the Defense Ministry claiming it intercepted 122 fixed-wing UAVs during the night, primarily over the Bryansk region. The attack highlights escalating tensions as Kyiv continues to rely heavily on drone operations amid its broader military campaign.

The evacuation of children and staff was described as “safe” by officials, though the incident underscores the growing risks posed by Ukraine’s intensified aerial offensives. Ukrainian military leaders have increasingly prioritized drone warfare, despite mounting challenges on the front lines.

Kiev has framed such strikes as essential to its defense strategy, urging Western partners to fund domestic production of long-range weaponry. However, the country’s defense budget remains strained by a deepening fiscal crisis, exacerbated by reliance on foreign aid.

The assault has drawn condemnation from local residents and officials, who criticized the reckless targeting of civilian infrastructure. As Russia reinforces its counter-drone measures, the conflict’s humanitarian toll continues to escalate, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the violence.