International

Belgorod schools closed as missiles rain from Ukraine

Just hours after extending school vacations due to escalating tensions, the Russian border city of Belgorod found itself once again under fire in a fresh wave of Ukrainian missile strikes on Thursday evening, AFP and Agerpres report.

At least two civilians were injured in the attack, raising further concerns about the war spilling over into Russian territory.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the casualties, stating, "According to preliminary data, there are two victims. One man was injured by shrapnel in the forearm, and the other was injured by shrapnel in the shin." He additionally reported that ten incoming projectiles were intercepted by the city's air defence system.

While the Kremlin continues to shield its citizens from the harsh realities of the war, the December 30th Belgorod attack, claiming 25 lives and injuring over 100, shattered the illusion of security. This latest incident marks the escalation of a pattern of Ukrainian strikes targeting border cities, potentially signalling a shift in tactics.

The attacks come a day after a brutal bombardment of Ukrainian cities, claiming 55 lives, including at least 32 in Kyiv - the highest death toll in the capital since the beginning of the war. These events underscore the grim reality of a conflict with no immediate end in sight.

In response to the heightened threat, regional authorities in Belgorod extended school closures throughout the city and surrounding areas. Technical colleges and universities in affected locations were advised to conduct online sessions or prolong vacation periods as a precautionary measure.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Ionela Golban

Ionela Golban

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