Ukraine has launched a massive aerial bombardment on Russia's Belgorod border region, with initial reports suggesting major damage and many casualties. The attack comes following Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations on Tuesday.

The US President praised Ukraine's army for its courageous resistance and said it was doing a "very effective job". A rocket attack is reported to have hit the Frez plant in Belgorod, which produces milling cutters and special tools. The Telegram channel "Pepel" is reporting that eyewitnesses are saying there were many casualties following the missile strike.

The region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, has so far confirmed that five people were injured and taken to the hospital.

"Belgorod was hit by rocket fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Five civilians were injured," he said.

"A rocket hit a commercial facility. Three men and a woman with shrapnel wounds to their arms and legs were taken by ambulance to Belgorod City Hospital No. 2.

"Another man with shrapnel wounds to his legs and arterial bleeding was taken to the regional clinical hospital."

Russian officials regularly play down the extent of damage caused by missile and drone attacks, often claiming air defences shoot down all incoming projectiles.

Valyuki also was attacked, and a huge fire broke out, visible from all parts of the town.

The fire is believed to have started near the town's railway station.

Residents in Lgov in the neighbouring Kursk region reported their town was also under attack.

Preliminary information suggested the town was hit by MLRS shelling, with residents reporting at least 18 explosions.

The mayor, Alexey Klemeshov, urged residents to stay in their shelters and the town remains cordoned off by police. Locals added there wass currently no electricity or water.