Evacuation underway in Belgorod: Tensions rise with casualties reported

Many of the reports provided by Russian media or officials are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.

In the early morning, the evacuation of residents from four villages in the border areas began. These are Poroz, Dronovka, Stary Khutor, and Pavlovka. Entry to the village of Vyazovoye has been closed.

"Thus, the number of villages in the Belgorod region to which access is restricted is approaching 20," calculated the independent Russian channel Sota.

- We are setting up roadblocks. Entry to this populated area will only be possible with the administration's permission. We are doing all this primarily for the safety of the residents. Unfortunately, the situation, I repeat once more, remains tense: there are many injured, and some are dead. We have an obligation to take action to protect the public," said the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Gladkov assured evacuated residents that they "will receive all necessary assistance." He informed that by the decision of the "operational headquarters," schools in the 19-kilometre zone in the border municipalities of the region will operate remotely.

According to Gladkov's reports, the region was attacked twice this night. Three villages were targeted. In the city of Shebekino, one person died.

"According to preliminary information, two civilians were injured. A man and a woman with various shrapnel wounds were taken to the hospital," added the governor.

On Tuesday, 27 August, the Russians reported that "Ukrainian Armed Forces are trying to break through the border of the Belgorod region." According to Russian propaganda military channels, about 500 Ukrainian soldiers are involved in the attack. The fighting is taking place in two areas.

It is unclear whether the evacuation is related to the presence of soldiers on Russian territory or increased shelling intensity.