Russia shells 9 communities in Sumy Oblast, damaging homes, cultural center.

Russian forces shelled nine communities in Sumy Oblast on Jan.

9, damaging homes and a local cultural center, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported. Over the course of the day 21 attacks caused 74 explosions in Sumy Oblast. The Russian military targeted the communities of Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Myropillia, Bilopillia, Seredyna-Buda, Svesy, Znob-Novhorodske, Novoslobidske, and Esman with mortar and artillery attacks, while dropping mines onto a settlement.

In Krasnopillia, a Shahed-type drone damaged a local cultural center, downed power lines, and caused damage to local homes. No further details were provided on the extent of the damage. The town of Bilopillia, with a population of about 16,000 residents, experienced the most intense attacks with 25 explosions recorded in the area.

The community is located just eight kilometers south and 25 kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border. Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day.

Ukraine war latest: Defense minister, top commanders visit eastern front; drone reportedly hits oil depot in Russia

Key developments on Jan.

9: * Umerov, Zaluzhnyi, General Staff chief and commanders visit army positions near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast * Drones reportedly hit oil depot, energy provider in western Russia, according to Russian officials' claims * Media: Ukrainian hackers hit Russian internet pr...