Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has declared a regional state of emergency due to relentless bombardment by Ukrainian armed forces on the Belgorod region, which is on the border with Ukraine. Daily shelling has resulted in destroyed houses and casualties among civilians. This comes as Russia battles Ukrainian forces in Kursk, where thousands of soldiers launched a surprise assault. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the offensive is not aimed at taking Russian territory but to force Russia into peace. Russia has deployed reinforcements to halt the Ukrainian advance in Kursk. Over 100,000 residents have been evacuated in Kursk due to the conflict.
Belgorod has also come under Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in some building damage. Russia currently occupies about a fifth of Ukraine’s territory and has faced international criticism for its attacks on critical infrastructure. The conflict has resulted in over 10,000 deaths, including hundreds of children, and the destruction of schools, hospitals, and other key infrastructure. The United Nations has urged Russia to end its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to be engaged in conflict along the border.
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