Ukrainian forces launch devastating strike on Belgorod, casualties rise
The Ukrainian Armed Forces struck the Russian city of Belgorod. Local authorities are currently reporting five fatalities and 37 injuries. The condition of seven people is critical. Significant damage was also recorded throughout the Belgorod region. The governor has arrived at the scene.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a massive attack on the Belgorod region and its capital on Friday evening. Panic erupted in the city.
Massive attack on Belgorod and the region
"The death toll has risen to five. One woman and four men died on the spot from their injuries before the ambulance arrived. Thirty-seven civilians were injured, including six children. Seven adults and three children are in serious condition. All victims have been transported to medical facilities in Belgorod," wrote the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, on his Telegram channel.
Authorities add that Ukrainian missiles hit an apartment building in Belgorod, several commercial properties, and a car. In the village of Dubovoye in the Belgorod region, two houses and 13 cars were burned.
"Our air defence system was operational over Belgorod and the region - several aerial targets were shot down as they approached the city. I am on site," added Gladkov.
Panorama of Belgorod just after the shelling:
Driver died on the spot
A video has also surfaced online showing the moment of a direct hit by a Vampire MLRS missile. The driver died on the spot.
Last Sunday, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the village of Rakitnoe. In the attack, five civilians died, and 12 were injured, six of whom, including a 16-year-old girl, are in serious condition.
300-400 attacks per month
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Belgorod region has been regularly attacked by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Since 2023, the frequency of attacks has increased to 300-400 per month. Drone attacks and shelling have repeatedly caused damage to power lines and substations.
Local publication Fonar calculated that since the beginning of the war in the Belgorod region, at least 241 civilians have died due to shelling. Regional authorities report that over five thousand apartments and private homes have been destroyed in Belgorod due to missile attacks, and in border areas, more than seven thousand.
