Russian Military Engineers Clear Ordnance and Repair Infrastructure in Belgorod After Ukrainian Attacks

Russian military engineers have been working to clear unexploded ordnance and repair damaged infrastructure in the Belgorod region of Russia following recent shelling attacks from Ukraine. The engineers have neutralized cluster munitions and kamikaze drones that were left behind after the attacks, which caused damage to residential buildings, warehouses, cars, and other infrastructure in the region.

The Russian defense ministry reported that air defense systems shot down 25 air targets over Belgorod, including 16 drones and 2 missiles. The regional governor said at least one home was damaged and one person was injured in the attacks. Russian air defenses also intercepted drones over the neighboring Rostov and Voronezh regions, with falling debris damaging an industrial building and injuring one person in Voronezh.

Why this matters: The attacks on Belgorod have brought the Ukraine conflict closer to home for many Russians, as the region sits along the border with Ukraine. The Kremlin has tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, but the strikes have raised concerns about the vulnerability of Russian territory.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force said its own air defenses intercepted drones over several regions of the country, with damage reported to homes and fires started by falling debris. The ongoing battle for control of the border region has escalated in recent days, with Russia vowing to intensify strikes in response to the attacks on Belgorod.

Schools in several municipalities close to the Ukrainian border have been ordered to extend their holidays due to the risk of further attacks. Services are currently working at the scene in Belgorod to assess the full extent of the damage from the latest strikes. "No civilian casualties were reported, but several private houses, warehouses, and vehicles were damaged," a local official said of the most recent attack on Thursday, which wounded at least two people.

Key Takeaways

• Russian engineers clearing unexploded ordnance in Belgorod after Ukraine shelling.
• Russian air defenses shot down 25 air targets, including drones and missiles, over Belgorod.
• Attacks on Belgorod raise concerns about vulnerability of Russian territory near Ukraine.
• Ukraine's air defenses intercepted drones, causing damage to homes and starting fires.
• Schools near Ukraine border ordered to extend holidays due to risk of further attacks.