“The most important thing is that there are no casualties,” he added.

The statement came a day after Moscow announced it had deployed jets and artillery to destroy the armed group that penetrated its border from Ukraine and the Kremlin ordered its military to prevent any repeat attack.

Members of two anti-Kremlin groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps, claimed responsibility while Kyiv denied official involvement.

On Wednesday, the Kremlin implied it was not worried about the latest bout of violence on Russian territory.

“Our military, border guards and appropriate services are doing their work,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, referring to security services.

The region of Belgorod has been targeted by attacks since Moscow launched its offensive last year. But the two days of skirmishes this week were the most significant attack on Russian soil since.

Gladkov said the nighttime drone barrage had damaged several private homes, offices and vehicles but that the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

He added that a gas pipeline was damaged in the Graivoron district and that “a small fire” was burning.

Gladkov said that several settlements that lost power as a result of fighting between the armed group and Russia’s forces, would be reconnected by the end of Wednesday.

“Nine people are hospitalised: three are in intensive care in a serious condition and six people are already in wards,” he added. Drone attacks overnight in Russian border region: Governor Drone attacks overnight in Russian border region: Governor Drone attacks overnight in Russian border region: Governor IgMp