On the night of 25 October 2026, the Russian city of Belgorod came under a massive drone attack, following which fires broke out in the city centre and significant damage was reported. According to the Belgorod Region Operational Headquarters, one person was killed and ten others were injured. Residential buildings, cars, and social and commercial facilities were damaged. Local Telegram channels are reporting that the «MegaGRINN» shopping and entertainment centre may have been hit, although this information has not yet been officially confirmed. The emergency services are currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the attack.
- On the night of 25 October, Belgorod came under a massive drone attack.
- Fires broke out in the city centre, causing damage to residential and commercial properties.
- According to the Russian authorities, one person was killed and ten were injured.
- Eight people were taken to hospital; an ambulance worker is among the injured.
- Local TV channels are reporting a possible strike on the «MegaGRINN» shopping centre.
Massive drone attack on Belgorod on 25 October: what is known
A series of explosions rang out overnight in the central districts of Belgorod. Local residents reported air defence systems in operation, drones flying overhead and fires.
The Exilenova+ monitoring Telegram channel has published photographs showing bright flames amidst the city’s buildings and thick smoke hanging over residential areas.
The Belgorod Region Operational Headquarters confirmed a large-scale drone attack and reported that the emergency services were responding.
Mayor Valentin Demidov reported significant damage in the centre of Belgorod. According to him, apartment blocks, cars, as well as social and commercial premises have been damaged.
The number of drones involved in the attack and the exact locations of all the strikes have not been officially disclosed.
One person has died in Belgorod; ten others have been injured
According to updated information from the regional operational headquarters, one local resident was killed and ten others were injured as a result of the overnight strikes. Among those injured was an ambulance worker.
Eight of the injured are in hospitals in Belgorod, where they are receiving the necessary treatment. Two more women will continue their treatment on an outpatient basis following a medical examination.
Emergency and municipal services are working in the affected neighbourhoods. Due to damage to residential buildings, some residents have been offered temporary accommodation.
According to the mayor, 53 people took advantage of this opportunity. Buses were organised to transport them.
There are reports of an attack on the «MegaGRINN» shopping centre»
According to local social media groups, one of the possible targets was a large «MegaGRINN» shopping and entertainment complex» in Belgorod.
The complex covers an area of over 163,000 square metres. It is home to more than 200 shops, restaurants, a cinema and other commercial premises.
Eyewitnesses posted footage of the fire near a retail development. There were also separate reports of a fire in the courtyard of a residential complex.
At the same time, the Russian authorities have not confirmed that «MegaGRINN» was directly hit. There is as yet no independent evidence to definitively establish the location and cause of each fire.
Residential buildings have been damaged in the centre of Belgorod
According to the city administration, the most damage following the attack was recorded in the central residential areas.
The published images show damaged façades, smashed windows, debris from building structures and cars that have been damaged by the explosions and fires.
Utility services have begun urgent work, including the temporary sealing of damaged windows and other openings in buildings to retain heat.
During daylight hours, representatives of the city administration are to carry out a detailed inspection of the buildings, record any damage and determine the extent of the restoration work required.
As of the morning of 25 October, the final number of damaged buildings has not been established. There is also no confirmed information regarding the extent of the damage to the shopping centre, which has been cited as a possible target of the attack.
