MOSCOW: Russia said Wednesday that another person was killed in Ukrainian attacks on its Belgorod region, as President Vladimir Putin vowed to restore security in the country’s border areas.
The Belgorod region has been subjected to shelling from Ukrainian forces for several months, with intensified attacks occurring last week ahead of Russia’s presidential election. Additionally, anti-Kremlin Russian fighters claimed multiple incursions into Russian border regions during the same period.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the casualty, stating on social media that preliminary information indicated one person died when their car was struck by shrapnel. Despite prompt medical assistance, the person succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, President Putin addressed election officials from the gilded Andreyev Hall within the Kremlin, following his victory in a presidential vote that lacked genuine opposition. Putin emphasized the imperative of restoring safety in Russia’s border regions and hinted at forthcoming actions to ensure security, refraining from specific details.
Putin Vows to Restore Security in Russia’s Border Areas
Putin declared, “We will do everything to support people who lost their businesses and homes, we will do everything possible,” underscoring security as the foremost priority. He portrayed his victory in the elections as a precursor to future successes, affirming Russia’s determination in the ongoing Ukraine offensive.
Expressing admiration for the courage of the people of Belgorod, Putin’s remarks underscored the gravity of the situation in the border areas.
In response to the escalating conflict, Governor Gladkov announced measures to safeguard residents, including the transition of schools in some border areas to remote learning. This decision follows Gladkov’s announcement the previous day regarding the evacuation of approximately 9,000 children from the region.
