Response to Kiev’s attacks
Russian authorities offer Belgorod residents evacuation
January 5, 2024, 7:04 p.m
Most recently, 25 people were killed in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod. The residents there are begging for help, claims the region’s governor. Although some people could be brought to safety, the emergency shelters were not sufficient.
The authorities in the Russian border region of Belgorod, which is increasingly affected by Ukrainian attacks, have offered to evacuate citizens of the city of the same name. “I see several appeals on social media where people write: We are afraid, help us get to a safe place,” Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video message. “Of course we will.” Several families have already been evacuated.
Gladkov said residents would be taken to the towns of Stari Oskol and Gubkin, further from the border. There they would be accommodated under “comfortable conditions” in “warm and safe rooms.” They would stay there as long as necessary, Gladkow added. However, the governor also said there won’t be enough shelters to house everyone. “I will appeal to my colleagues, the governors of other regions, to help us,” said Gladkow.
He described the situation in the city as “difficult”. The Belgorod city administration had previously urged residents to tape their windows to protect themselves from the blast waves during attacks. On Thursday, schools in the region near the border with Ukraine were ordered to extend their winter holidays because of the risk of attacks.
Russia attacks cities in Ukraine
The city of Belgorod is 30 kilometers from the border with Ukraine and, according to Russian sources, has been repeatedly attacked. Since the offensive against Ukraine began in February 2022, the Kremlin has repeatedly assured that the conflict would not affect the everyday lives or security of Russians. However, the recent deadly attacks on Belgorod have made him more visible to the Russians.
Most recently, at the turn of the year, Russia attacked numerous cities in Ukraine with drone and missile attacks; dozens of people were killed. Last Saturday, 25 people were killed in Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod.