MOSCOW: At least 14 people were killed, and 108 others were injured as a result of a Ukrainian strike on the Russian city of Belgorod. The attack occurred just a day after Russian strikes on Ukraine killed dozens.
Belgorod, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has been a frequent target of what Russia claims to be indiscriminate shelling by Kyiv’s forces. Unverified footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath of the strike, with debris scattered across the streets, burnt-out cars, and billowing smoke.
According to Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, the victims include 12 adults and two children, while 108 persons, including 15 children, sustained injuries. President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the incident, and the Russian Defense Ministry warned that the attack would “not go unpunished.”
This strike comes amid continued violence in the region, with rescuers in Ukraine working to sift through rubble following the intense Russian attacks that killed at least 39 people the previous day. Ukrainian military sources reported that Russia launched 158 missiles and drones, with 114 of them successfully intercepted—a record number for the conflict.
Russian Attack on Ukraine
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed the ongoing efforts to eliminate the consequences of the recent attack and declared January 1 as a day of mourning in Kyiv, where at least 16 people lost their lives.
The international community has strongly condemned the attacks, with the United Nations urging an immediate cessation. Poland reported a concerning incident, revealing that a Russian missile briefly entered its airspace, prompting NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to affirm solidarity with Poland.
Ukraine is calling on Western allies for increased military support. US President Joe Biden urged Congress to swiftly approve new aid for Ukraine, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing assistance. Meanwhile, Britain announced plans to send additional air defense missiles to Kyiv, reinforcing its commitment to stand with Ukraine in the face of adversity.
