Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border

Nighttime shelling attributed to Ukrainian forces caused what Russian officials described as “serious damage” in the city of Belgorod, a regional capital in western Russia located close to the Ukrainian border. The incident occurred late Thursday night, prompting emergency actions by local authorities and renewed attention on cross-border attacks amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the shelling in a solemn video message posted on Telegram shortly after midnight. Speaking from what appeared to be a darkened area of the city, Gladkov addressed residents directly, stating that he could not offer a customary greeting due to the gravity of the situation. He said the city had come under attack despite having no military targets and emphasized that civilian infrastructure had suffered significant damage. According to the governor, he personally visited affected areas to assess the situation firsthand.

Gladkov also revealed that city officials were holding an emergency meeting to develop a plan of action, signaling concerns over public safety and infrastructure stability. While he did not provide detailed casualty figures or a full damage assessment, his remarks underscored the seriousness of the incident and the strain placed on local authorities.

Additional details emerged from the unofficial Russian Telegram channel Mash, which often cites sources within the security services. Mash reported that missiles had struck Belgorod, a city located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The channel also claimed that the shelling led to power outages in several districts, further disrupting daily life for residents.

Belgorod and surrounding areas have faced repeated attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted border regions, and Belgorod has become one of the most frequently mentioned Russian cities affected by cross-border strikes. These incidents highlight the expanding impact of the war beyond Ukraine’s territory and raise ongoing concerns about civilian safety in border regions.

As the conflict continues, attacks on cities like Belgorod underscore the volatility of the situation and the growing risks faced by communities on both sides of the border.