As a result of shelling by Russian occupation forces in Novoslobidsk community, a hit was recorded in a residential building in which there were five civilians, Novoslobidsk village council said.

"Today, February 20, starting at 04.00, Russian terrorists began shelling the civilian population of the community, first with drones and then with artillery. A drone with explosives hit a residential building in which there were five civilian residents of the village. As a result of the hit, the house was destroyed and there was a fire," the village council said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The rubble is reportedly being cleared and search efforts are continuing.

"We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims," the council said.