Russian authorities react to Ukrainian attacks: Extended holidays and shifted learning methods in Belgorod region

"Today, the Operational Staff convened. We did not wait until January 8, as I initially suggested, because you, my dear citizens, are concerned and are seeking guidance to plan the upcoming days," - the governor of the Belgorod region explained on his Telegram channel on Thursday.

Gladkov announced that the meeting resolved to "extend the school holidays from January 9 to 19" for students, including those from Belgorod and Krasnoyarsk, as well as the towns of Borisovsky and the districts of Volokonovsky, Grayvoronsky, Shebekinsky, and Volginsky.

"Kindergartens in these areas will operate on a duty-group format. (...) Technical schools and universities located in these municipalities are recommended to switch to online learning. If necessary, we request an extension of the holiday period," - he noted.

Gladkov indicated that "the next meeting of the authorities will happen on January 16". He signaled that Russian officials will then make additional decisions, taking into account the prevailing operational situation.

Loud explosions were noted in Belgorod on Tuesday evening. Witnesses recorded the sound of the blasts and the subsequent flashes in the sky. Photos circulated online depict fragments found by residents. The regional governor announced on Telegram that several aerial targets were destroyed.

The Russian Ministry of Defense later confirmed that 12 missiles over the city had been intercepted and destroyed. Official sources insist that there were no injuries, although some building damage was reported.

The city suffered another attack the previous Saturday. According to Russian authorities, 21 people were killed and another 111 injured - as reported by AFP. Ukrainian security sources confirmed that a drone had carried out an attack on military targets.