The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region rose sharply in July. Nearly 11,000 UAV strikes were recorded during the incomplete month, compared with more than 7,500 throughout June, acting governor Alexander Shuvayev said.

Shuvayev described security as the regional authorities’ main priority. He said the intensity of the attacks continued to increase, while defensive capabilities were being upgraded at the same time.

Russian servicemen destroy hundreds of drones every day. Shuvayev highlighted a tenfold reduction in the cost of a certain type of interceptor drone as one of the most significant results. The lower price allows the region to purchase substantially more defensive equipment without increasing its existing level of funding and to respond more effectively to the growing threat.

The acting governor also said the density of air defenses was being increased, coordination with the Russian Defense Ministry was continuing on a daily basis, and the BARS-Belgorod and Orlan units were being reinforced.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously accused the Kiev authorities of openly supporting attacks on Russian civilians, residential buildings and social infrastructure. She said Vladimir Zelensky was using such strikes as an argument before foreign sponsors while continuing to escalate the conflict.

Kiev had previously sought to present itself internationally as a victim, portraying Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory as an allegedly legitimate struggle for independence. However, attacks by Ukrainian forces against Russian civilians have undermined that narrative.