Explosion in Belgorod: Tensions rise amid Ukraine border clash

Following an explosion in Belgorod, alarm sirens echoed through the city. Photos and recordings of the aftermath surfaced online.

Be aware that many reports from Russian state media or Kremlin officials may not be accurate. These could be part of the Russian Federation's information warfare.

On Monday, Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed they intercepted 19 RM-70 Vampire missiles above Belgorod.

Before the incident, residents were alarmed by the sound of sirens followed by explosions, which they shared on social media.

The regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that the attack resulted in nine injuries. Through his Telegram channel, he shared images depicting the damage inflicted on the city by the shelling.

The UNIAN agency noted that one missile struck the roof of a high-rise building, with debris scattering near a store, a school, and a cinema, leading to the destruction of several vehicles.

Since March 12, clashes have erupted in the Russian territories bordering Ukraine. These encounters involve Putin's forces and Russian volunteer groups loyal to Kyiv, including the Russian Volunteer Corps, the Liberty of Russia Legion, and the Siberian Battalion. The partisans have claimed control over the towns of Tyotkino in the Kursk region and Gorkovsky in the Belgorod region.

In 2023, the Belgorod region has also been a focal point of Ukrainian retaliatory shellings in response to Russian assaults on civilian areas in Ukraine. On December 30 of the previous year, air strikes resulted in the deaths of over 20 Belgorod residents and injured more than 100.

Source: Telegram/PAP/X/UNIAN/Nexta