At least six dead after Ukrainian HIMARS attack on town in Kursk region, Russian authorities say

Rylsk, a town of approximately 15,000 people in Russia’s Kursk region, was hit by a deadly missile attack on Friday. Governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that Ukrainian forces launched a strike around 3:30 p.m. using a HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system. He said that Russian air defenses intercepted several missiles. The Telegram channel Mash asserted that long-range ATACMS missiles were used, though this has not been independently verified.

The attack resulted in multiple casualties, according to Russian authorities. By 6:38 p.m. Moscow time, Governor Khinshtein confirmed six fatalities, including one child. Mash reported seven deaths. Khinshtein also stated that 10 people, including a 13-year-old, were hospitalized with minor injuries. The Telegram channel Shot reported 18 injured, while Baza put the number at 30.

Media reports indicate that dozens of buildings were damaged in the strike. Khinshtein detailed that the attack caused damage to the buildings of two local colleges, a cultural center, a gym complex, a school, and other facilities. Windows were shattered in three apartment buildings, while several private homes and 15 vehicles were also damaged. The blast wave reportedly damaged the Church of the Ascension, according to a church employee who spoke to state media.

At the time of publication, neither the Russian Defense Ministry nor the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ General Staff have commented on the incident. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that Russia plans to address the missile strikes on Rylsk at a UN Security Council meeting on December 21. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that it had opened a criminal terrorism case over the strike.