The attack took place while Russian President Vladimir Putin was visiting China, according to officials.

Russia's military announced that they destroyed and intercepted a total of 51 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Crimea, 44 over the Krasnodar region, 6 over the Belgorod region, and 1 over the Kursk region. The drones targeted various locations in the Belgorod region and along the coast of the Black Sea.

Tragically, two casualties were reported during the attack. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that a mother and child lost their lives while traveling in a car. Additionally, an oil refinery located in Tuapse caught fire, although authorities were able to extinguish the blaze. It's worth noting that this refinery had undergone repairs following a previous fire in January, which was allegedly caused by another drone attack, according to Ukrainian sources.

Following the attack, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev made the decision to suspend classes in all schools, secondary vocational education institutions, and kindergartens. He also warned of periodic blackouts as the region grapples with the damage inflicted by Ukraine's assault.

The incident comes as Russia intensifies its pressure on Kharkiv, Ukraine, through renewed offensives. However, President Putin has denied any intention to capture the city, claiming that the attack was a response to Ukrainian aggression. While visiting China, Putin thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for engaging in "substantive" discussions, highlighting the personal ties between their countries. He also took a swipe at the United States and Ukraine, blaming the latter for attacks on Russian villages that forced retaliatory action.

Commenting on the situation, Putin expressed concern over civilian casualties, asserting that Ukrainian forces were targeting city centers and residential areas. He claimed that Russia's actions, including the creation of security and buffer zones, were necessary to prevent further harm.

Putin also emphasized the significance of the Moscow-Beijing partnership, stating that it aims to create favorable conditions for the development and well-being of both countries' citizens. He dismissed suggestions that the alliance is directed against any specific entity, instead characterizing it as essential for shaping the "emerging multipolar world."

Last week, Ukraine successfully repelled a Russian incursion into the Kharkiv region. The White House spokesperson, John Kirby, warned that Russia may escalate the intensity of fires and deploy more troops into the area in the coming weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces had advanced six miles into the Kharkiv region, prompting Kyiv to expand operations to safeguard their second-largest city.

The exact implications of this drone attack and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remain uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as tensions continue to escalate.