After an alleged attack on Belgorod by Ukraine, Russia retaliated by launching a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and northeastern city, Kharkiv. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least three people and injuries to several others, leaving 250,000 consumers without electricity due to resulting fires. This followed an earlier incident where Russia blamed an attack on Belgorod on Ukraine. Russia's escalation included the launch of approximately 90 Shahed-type drones and accusations towards the West of exploiting Ukraine to weaken Russia.