In a tragic incident, a missile attack in the city of Belgorod, along the border with Ukraine, claimed the lives of six individuals, including a one-year-old girl. Another 17 people, including four children, were injured and hospitalized, with six in critical condition. Increasingly targeted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Belgorod is the closest major Russian city to the border, facing frequent attacks.
According to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, two children have already been discharged for outpatient treatment. One of the victims, a one-year-old girl named Valentina, was in the care of her grandmother, who also lost her life. Expressing condolences, Gladkov acknowledged the deep pain that cannot be eased by words alone.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 14 Ukrainian missiles over the region. This attack on Belgorod marks the deadliest assault on a Russian city since the war’s inception in February 2022, with 25 civilians killed in a previous attack in December.
Poor anti-aircraft protection
The Belgorod area, located close to the frontlines, has limited anti-aircraft protection compared to more remote regions like Sochi, where one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences is situated. Residents have reported authorities withholding information on shelter locations, exacerbating the vulnerability of the area.
In response to the tragedy, the Russian Ministry of Health dispatched a team of medical specialists to Belgorod from federal centers. Visual evidence of the attack circulated on social media, showing shattered windows at a local supermarket and damaged apartments nearby. Emergency responders hurried to aid the injured at an outdoor sports complex that also suffered damage.
Roman Starovoit, the governor of the neighboring Kursk region, revealed that a shopping center, open-air sports facility, and residential areas were targeted in the attack. He described the deliberate targeting of civilian groups by the enemy. The Ukrainian government in Kyiv has yet to provide any comment on the attacks.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, labeled the events as an “act of terrorism by the Kyiv regime” on Telegram. She also announced Russia’s intent to bring the matter before the UN Security Council.