Russian bombing kills family of five in front-line Sumy region

Russian forces launched an air and artillery strike on the Nova Sloboda community in the northern Sumy region.

A Russian drone hit a private house, killing a family of five, Rubryka reports, citing the regional military administration.

The attack occurred around 5 a.m., causing a fire in the residential building, which was later contained.

"Today, February 20, starting from 4 a.m., Russian terrorists began shelling the peaceful population of the community — first with drones, and then with artillery. A drone with an explosive device hit a residential building with five peaceful residents," the report said.

The strike destroyed the house and caused a fire. The rescuers are clearing the rubble. Search operations are ongoing. Information on the consequences of the shelling is being clarified, the administration added.

Russian forces also attacked the village of Brusky, located on the border between Ukraine and Russia. The Russians shelled the village, presumably with a 120mm mortar, with five strikes recorded. Four civilians were injured and taken to the hospital.

Overall, during the night and morning of February 20, the Russians carried out eight shelling attacks on border territories and settlements in the Sumy region.

According to the administration, 39 explosions were recorded. The shelling affected the Bilopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Shalyhyne, and Seredyna-Buda communities.

Shelling of Sumy region

Russian forces constantly shell the Sumy region, especially towns bordering Russia.

On February 10, Russian troops dropped four guided bombs on the Druzhbivka community, damaging residential buildings, fire stations, and enterprises.

Also, on February 9, Russian troops dropped seven aviation bombs on border communities in the Sumy region. Three people were killed as a result of the attack.

The city authorities reported mass evacuation of residents from the five-kilometer zone in communities bordering Russia in the Sumy region. However, the administration later refuted news of forced evacuation.

Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are also terrorizing the border areas of the Sumy region.