At least seven people, including three children, were killed after a Ukrainian drone struck a crowded beach at Russia’s Black Sea resort of Gelendzhik on Monday. Around 40 others were injured in one of the deadliest reported attacks on civilians inside Russia since the war began more than four years ago.
According to Russian authorities, the drone hit the holiday village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, which is part of the popular Gelendzhik resort on the Black Sea coast. The Russian Health Ministry said 21 people, including three children, were admitted to hospital, while nine of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
Videos shared on social media appeared to show a drone flying towards the busy beach before a powerful explosion sent tourists running for safety. Footage from the scene also captured heavy gunfire moments before the blast, suggesting Russian air defence systems were trying to intercept the drone.
Russia accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians and described the strike as an act of terrorism. Ukraine had not commented on the incident at the time of reporting. Kyiv has repeatedly maintained that it does not intentionally target civilians, while Russia has also denied deliberately striking civilian areas during the war.
What did Zelenskyy say before the attack?
The strike came only hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately prolonging the war. Speaking to Ukrainian diplomats in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Moscow had no real interest in ending the conflict and that Ukraine would continue applying military, diplomatic and economic pressure until Russia had “no alternative but peace.”
“It is Ukraine that wants peace. Ukraine has never wanted this war,” Zelenskyy said. He also expressed hope that continued sanctions, diplomatic efforts and long-range strikes could eventually force Moscow to negotiate, possibly as early as this autumn.
Was the beach the intended target?
There is no independent confirmation that the beach was the drone’s intended target. Military analysts noted that Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has mainly focused on oil refineries, logistics hubs, warehouses and other infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.
The Gelendzhik region also has strategic importance. It is home to several sensitive locations, including a property widely linked by critics to Russian President Vladimir Putin, often referred to as “Putin’s Palace.” However, there is no evidence that the property was connected to Monday’s incident.
First published on: Aug 04, 2026 07:57 AM IST
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About the Author
Shivam Verma
Shivam Verma is a Chief-Sub-Editor at News24. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football, both playing and watching, and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
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