Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as two killed at Moldova border

What the report says

Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight drone strikes that caused deaths and damage on both sides, according to BBC World News. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian drones hit the Starokozache border crossing in southern Ukraine near Moldova, killing two people and closing the crossing. Odesa regional governor Oleg Kiper said three others were hurt, and Moldova’s foreign ministry said a Moldovan driver was among the injured. Images from the scene showed burned vehicles and debris at the border post.

BBC World News also reported that Ukrainian drones struck the southern Russian Black Sea city of Novorossiysk, where regional governor Veniamin Kondratiev said four people, including a child, were killed and 29 others injured. Local damage was reported to homes, a church and a preschool. Russia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted 596 Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the scale of the cross-border attacks.

The incidents came amid intensified long-range strikes by both countries even as diplomatic efforts continue. Zelensky used the attack on the border crossing to renew appeals for stronger international support, while Moldova said it has faced a growing number of drone incursions this year. The BBC’s account places the exchanges against the backdrop of ongoing US-led efforts to push Russia and Ukraine toward direct talks.