Ukrainian forces have carried out overnight attacks on military and energy-related facilities in several Russian regions, local authorities said on Thursday, as cross-border strikes intensified.

Governor Andrey Bocharov, from the regional administration’s Telegram channel, said air defence systems repelled a missile attack during the night in the southern Volgograd region.

Debris from intercepted projectiles sparked a fire on the grounds of a Russian Defence Ministry building near the village of Kotluban.

Mr Bocharov said evacuations were ordered in the area due to ongoing detonations.

“There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to civilian infrastructure. Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show multiple explosions in the region,” he said.

Ukrainian media outlets reported that rocket artillery depots in the Volgograd area were struck, though those claims could not be independently verified.

In the Tambov region, further north, two people were injured in a separate drone attack, according to Governor Evgeny Pervyshov.

He said drone debris hit a technical college and a shop in the town of Michurinsk.

Ukrainian media also reported a drone strike on a refinery in the northern Russian republic of Komi.

Local emergency services confirmed at least one drone attack in the area but did not provide details about potential damage.

Social media images suggested the refinery might have been affected, although this could not be independently confirmed.

Authorities temporarily closed the airport in Ukhta, citing security concerns.

(dpa/NAN)