In Russia’s Bryansk region, the village of Lomakovka in the Starodubsky District faced a drone strike described by regional governor Alexander Bogomaz as carried out by Ukrainian forces using kamikaze drones. The governor conveyed the account on his Telegram channel.
According to Bogomaz, two local residents sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. A single household suffered partial damage, and emergency services and local authorities were quickly deployed to the scene to assess structural integrity and ensure safety in the affected area.
Bogomaz also stated that another Ukrainian assault targeted the town of Novy Ropsk in the Klimovsky District, this time with FPV drones. The assault disrupted daytime life and triggered early warning alerts across surrounding communities.
On January 31, reports from the Bryansk region indicated that seven drones were involved in attacks across the region. The incidents underscored the persistent vulnerability of border areas to cross-border drone activity.
Since the start of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, drone activity in border areas has been recurring. Kyiv did not publicly authorize involvement in such strikes, though Ukrainian adviser Mikhail Podolyak warned in August 2023 that the number of UAV operations within Russia would grow.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the topic of foreign fighters in Ukraine, including discussions about French nationals. The broader context shows how drone warfare intersects with international involvement and the perception of foreign participation in the conflict.
Analysts note that attributing cross-border drone incidents can be challenging due to limited on-site information and the rapid pace of incidents in border regions. Nevertheless, the Bryansk region’s emergency services and local authorities continue to monitor threats, dispatching response teams and conducting preliminary assessments to protect residents and infrastructure.
In this ongoing pattern, residents remain alert to alarms and evacuation notices, while officials emphasize resilience and rapid coordination among police, fire, and medical responders. The situation continues to evolve as both sides adapt to new drone capabilities and countermeasures.
Experts describe Kamikaze drones as unmanned aerial vehicles designed to home in on a target and crash, delivering a warhead with minimal maneuvering. FPV drones used in these strikes are typically nimble and capable of precise flight paths, enabling attackers to adjust routes quickly and avoid some defenses. The details of the equipment and the origin of the drones remain a matter of official reporting and ongoing investigations.
Residents near Lomakovka and Novy Ropsk described a sudden noise, the glow of lights, and the swift arrival of rescue crews. The temporary disruption of power supplies, road closures, and heightened security in the area contributed to a climate of vigilance among communities along the border region.
Officials stressed that information released in the immediate aftermath should be treated with caution until thorough investigations are completed. The Bryansk region continues to work with federal authorities to coordinate safety measures, assess damage, and provide support to affected families and local businesses.
As the conflict evolves, this pattern of drone activity in Russia’s border territories remains a key element of the wider security discussion. Governments, military analysts, and residents alike are watching how drone technology influences tactical decisions, civilian safety, and the broader strategic landscape in Eastern Europe.
Cross Border Drone Attacks in Russia Since 2022
Foreign Involvement and Drone Warfare in Eastern Europe