Military and civilian authorities in the Kursk region reported that air defense units shot down three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in the skies above the region. The claim was shared by the head of the Kursk region, Alexey Smirnov, on his Telegram channel. In his post, Smirnov confirmed that three Ukrainian UAVs were eliminated during a flight over the border area near Zheleznogorsk, underscoring the ongoing vigilance of regional defense forces as tensions near the border persist. The communication did not mention any casualties or damage to structures, but it reiterated a readiness to respond to aerial threats and a commitment to keeping residents informed as events unfold. Local authorities also advised people to follow official guidance and to remain indoors with windows closed when air defense operations are active, a precaution aimed at minimizing exposure during rapid defense maneuvers.
Smirnov’s Telegram update included a direct statement: “Three Ukrainian UAVs were shot down by our fighters in the Zheleznogorsk region.” The governor presented the incident as a clear display of the region’s defensive capabilities and readiness to respond to unauthorized air activity near the state border. In addition to reporting the shootdown, the message carried practical safety guidance for residents, calling on people to avoid approaching windows during active air defense operations. Officials emphasized the importance of following official channels for timely updates, as rapid, sometimes changing situations require civilians to react calmly and in accordance with established safety protocols. The use of Telegram as a rapid communications channel has become a common pattern for regional authorities seeking to minimize confusion and maintain trust as border-related events evolve.
Earlier in the week, the Russian Armed Forces reported stopping an attempt by Ukrainian forces to cross the state border in the Kursk region. On Thursday, October 31, border security units intercepted the incursion and prevented penetration into territory near populated areas and key corridors. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenge of maintaining border integrity and the constant pressure faced by regional command structures in coordinating defense actions, alerting civilians, and ensuring continuity of essential services amid heightened security conditions. Authorities described the response as swift and coordinated, aiming to minimize risk to residents while ensuring that security procedures were carried out properly.
Before these events, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod region, addressed residents with a call to use basements as shelters while air defense activities were underway. He noted that basements had saved many lives and urged continued efforts to strengthen shelter readiness. The plan involves ongoing education for residents in cooperation with management companies, which should monitor basement conditions such as lighting, seating areas, and access to drinking water. The aim is to sustain a culture of preparedness that allows communities to respond rapidly when alarms sound, reducing exposure to potential threats and ensuring that people know where to seek safety without delay.
Separately, the report recalls a line about Ukraine developing a drone capable of flying to Siberia. While details remain sparse, the mention underscores the broader conversation around aerial capabilities and regional security concerns near Kursk and Belgorod, where authorities repeatedly emphasize vigilance, rapid communication, and practical safety measures to protect residents during periods of elevated threat.