Russia stated that it was evacuating hundreds of children from villages due to intensifying bombardment in the Belgorod frontier region, where the Kremlin regarded the situation to be alarming.
After invading Ukraine for more than a year, Russia is now experiencing increased attacks on its territory, including an unprecedented incursion last week in the southern region of Belgorod and a drone attack on Tuesday in Moscow.
The authorities have begun evacuating minors from the frontier districts of Shebekino and Graivoron, according to the regional governor’s Telegram message.
Gladkov stated that the first 300 evacuees will be transported to Voronezh, a city located approximately 250 kilometers further into Russia. In the following days, more than 1,000 minors will be relocated to other provinces, he added.
A correspondent for the state-run news agency RIA Novosti near Voronezh reported that buses carrying approximately 150 passengers had arrived.
Gladkov stated that the situation was deteriorating in the village of Shebekino, where he reported additional bombardment that caused four injuries but no fatalities.
One person was murdered and two others were injured in an attack on a center for displaced people in the region on Tuesday. Several energy depots have also been struck in recent weeks.
The assaults have occurred as Kiev reportedly prepares for a significant offensive against the forces of Moscow.
About the bombardment in the region, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “The situation is quite alarming.”
“We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far,” Peskov stated.
The Kremlin has blamed Ukraine and its Western supporters for the growing number of reported attacks.
After a drone attack on residential areas in Moscow, the foreign ministry stated on Tuesday that the West is “pushing the Ukrainian leadership toward increasingly reckless acts.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that eight drones were used in the assault, adding that five of them were destroyed and three were rendered inoperable.
At least three structures were mildly damaged, including two residential high-rises in the prosperous southwest of Moscow.
Ukraine, whose capital has been attacked nearly every night, refuted any “direct involvement.”
The United States has stated that it does not support any attack within Russia, instead supplying Kyiv with the equipment and training necessary to reclaim its territory.
Over the weekend, AFP journalists traveled to the regional capital city, also known as Belgorod.
Residents admitted to some anxiety, but a sense of resignation prevailed.
“What options exist? We simply exclaim ‘Oh! and ‘Ah!’ What will be the result?” said 84-year-old retired educator Rimma Malieva.
The majority of individuals with whom AFP spoke expressed confidence in the authorities’ ability to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the most recent operation.
Still, the 41-year-old constructor Evgeny Sheikin stated that “it should not have happened.”
