(Kursk, Russia) – In the early hours of 31 May, Ukrainian kamikaze drones carried out a bold night-time strike on targets in the Russian border region of Kursk, inflicting serious damage on military and infrastructure facilities. The most significant hit was reported in the town of Rylsk, where a hotel housing Russian military personnel was struck, sparking a powerful explosion and fire.
Although no official casualty figures have been released, footage filmed by local residents and shared across Russian Telegram channels showed the hotel engulfed in flames shortly after the attack. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as fire and smoke billowed from the building.
The local Russian administration attempted to reframe the incident by claiming that civilian infrastructure, including homes, was also affected and that several people had been injured. However, this narrative has often been used by the Russian state to deflect attention from military losses.
In the nearby town of Lgov, Ukrainian drones also targeted a railway station. The strike led to a large blaze and disruption to transport infrastructure in the region. This station has reportedly played a strategic role in moving troops and supplies for the Russian occupation forces.
