Tragic Drone Strikes in Belgorod: Civilian Casualties Ahead of Paris Peace Talks

A recent drone strike in Belgorod has left one person dead and two injured, including a child, just ahead of significant peace talks in Paris. The situation escalates as Ukraine faces drone attacks in Kharkiv, and the death toll from a missile strike rises. President Zelenskyy is set to meet with international partners to discuss security guarantees and accelerate peace proposals. This article delves into the latest developments in the ongoing conflict and the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolution.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 4, 2026, 16:49 IST

Civilian Casualties in Belgorod

Moscow: A Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod region of Russia resulted in one fatality and left two individuals injured, including a young child, as reported by local authorities on Sunday. This incident occurred just days before peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict are set to take place in Paris.

In a related incident, three individuals sustained injuries in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine due to drone strikes that occurred overnight into Sunday, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

Additionally, the death toll from a recent Russian missile strike on Kharkiv rose to four, following the discovery of two more bodies beneath the debris of a collapsed building, as stated by Oleh Syniehubov, the regional head of Kharkiv, via Telegram.

These latest assaults follow a visit by national security advisers from Europe and allied nations to Kyiv on Saturday, where discussions focused on security assurances and economic aid, coinciding with a renewed diplomatic effort led by the US to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is preparing for a trip to Paris for discussions with international partners, indicated on Saturday that the pace of peace proposal discussions could quicken, as Ukraine has provided all relevant documents to the 18 national security advisers, including those concerning security guarantees.

Zelenskyy mentioned that representatives from Ukraine's military and General Staff would convene in Paris on Monday, followed by a meeting of European leaders on Tuesday, where he expressed hope that the security guarantee documents would be finalized.