The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, citing an “extremely difficult” situation due to relentless Ukrainian bombardment along the border. In a message shared on Telegram, Gladkov stated, “The situation in our Belgorod region remains extremely difficult and tense due to shellings from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.” He announced the implementation of a regional state of emergency, effective immediately, with plans to request a federal emergency declaration.
The Belgorod region has been under continuous shelling by Ukrainian forces, according to Gladkov. The attacks have resulted in the destruction of homes and casualties among civilians. “Daily shelling has razed houses, killing and wounding civilians,” he said.
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This declaration comes just days after Russia imposed a federal-level emergency in the neighboring Kursk region following a significant Ukrainian incursion. Hundreds of Ukrainian troops reportedly crossed the border, marking Kyiv’s most extensive attack on Russian territory since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a Russian missile strike targeted a shopping mall in Kostiantynivka, located in the eastern Donetsk region. The attack resulted in at least 11 deaths and 44 injuries, according to local authorities. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the mall, and the Donetsk regional head, Vadym Filashkin, condemned the strike as “another targeted attack on a crowded place, another act of terror by the Russians.”
This incident is not the first of its kind in Kostiantynivka; last September, a Russian missile hit an outdoor market in the town, killing 17 people.
In response to the escalating situation in the Kursk region, Russia’s defense ministry announced that reinforcements, including multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, and heavy tracked vehicles, were being deployed to counter the Ukrainian advance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised address, indirectly referenced the assaults, calling for increased pressure on Russia. “The more pressure is exerted on Russia — the aggressor that brought war to Ukraine — the closer peace will be,” Zelenskyy said.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, continues to escalate, with both sides engaged in intense and ongoing military operations.
Key Points
- State of Emergency in Belgorod: Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, declared a regional state of emergency due to continuous Ukrainian bombardment along the border.
- Reasons for Emergency: The situation in Belgorod is described as “extremely difficult and tense” with daily shelling by Ukrainian forces causing destruction of homes and civilian casualties.
- Appeal for Federal Emergency: Gladkov indicated plans to request a federal emergency declaration following the regional state of emergency.
- Context of Recent Escalations: The declaration follows a similar federal emergency in the neighboring Kursk region after a significant Ukrainian incursion involving hundreds of troops.
- Missile Strike in Kostiantynivka: A Russian missile strike on a shopping mall in Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine, killed at least 11 people and injured 44, described by local authorities as a targeted attack on civilians.
- Historical Context: Kostiantynivka has experienced previous Russian attacks, including a deadly missile strike on an outdoor market in September 2023.
- Russian Military Response: Russia’s defense ministry is sending reinforcements, including artillery and heavy vehicles, to the Kursk region to counter the Ukrainian offensive.
- Zelenskyy’s Response: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Russia, linking it to the broader goal of achieving peace.
- Ongoing Conflict: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, continues with escalating military actions on both sides.
