Russian army strikes Belopillia centre in Sumy region with guided bombs
On the morning of 20 January, the Russian army struck the centre of Belopillia in Sumy region, reportedly using four guided aerial bombs.
Residential buildings and critical infrastructure were damaged, the city’s mayor, Yuriy Zarko, told Suspilne. There is currently no information on casualties.
"The destruction is extensive. Many buildings near the impact sites were damaged, including public buildings, critical infrastructure, and residential homes — both private houses and apartment blocks. There may be people affected inside the damaged buildings, but we have no information yet and will investigate," the mayor said.
The strike also damaged one of the town’s gas pipelines, leaving 247 subscribers without gas, the Sumy branch of “Gazmerezhi” reported. Repair crews will begin work once the security situation allows.
Russian forces previously carried out air-bomb strikes on Belopillia’s centre on 15 January. That attack killed a 35-year-old local resident and injured nine others — six women and three men. It also damaged a school building, a shop, vehicles, a bus station, and several homes.
Meanwhile, during the night, a Russian missile and drone attack on Dnipro damaged a large boiler house, leaving hundreds of homes without heating.
Earlier, Russian strikes damaged 12 buildings in Zaporizhzhia. Russia also attacked an energy facility in Chernihiv region, causing power outages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provided initial reports on the consequences of Russia’s widespread strikes across the regions. Damage has been recorded in Kyiv and Kyiv region, Vinnytsia region, Dnipro region, Odesa region, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava region, Sumy region, and other areas.
President Zelensky also received a briefing from the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force on initial evidence of Russia’s updated military tactics. He instructed that partners, including the United States, be informed promptly.
