Russia says Ukraine is attacking Belgorod region again with missiles and drones
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A damaged house following what the local authorities say was a Ukrainian military strike in the Belgorod region of Russia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MOSCOW - Ukraine launched 12 missiles and several drones in the early hours of Jan 3 on Russia’s southern region of Belgorod, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry and the local authorities.
Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the situation “continues to remain tense” in Belgorod, where Russia says 25 civilians, including five children, were killed on Dec 30, in an incident that Russia has blamed on Ukraine.
There was no word of any casualties from the latest attacks. Mr Gladkov said the extent of damage would be assessed throughout the day.
The escalation of attacks on Belgorod over the New Year period has come as Russia launched some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since the war began almost two years ago.
Kyiv said on Jan 2 that Russia had launched well over 300 attack drones and missiles of various kinds at cities across Ukraine since Dec 29.
Belgorod, like other Russian regions on the border with Ukraine, has seen frequent low-level attacks since the start of the war, but the one on Dec 30 was by far the deadliest. Russian President Vladimir Putin said it would “not go unpunished”.
One person was killed and seven more wounded in the region on Jan 2, the Russian authorities said.
In the attacks on Jan 3, Russia’s Defence Ministry said Ukraine had fired six Tochka-U ballistic missiles and six guided missiles launched from a Vilkha heavy multiple rocket launcher.
Mr Gladkov said Ukraine also launched several drones on the region and the city of Belgorod, which is the administrative centre of the region.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. REUTERS
