Russian Border City Extends Relocation Assistance amid Escalation of Ukrainian Attacks
Russian governor offers relocation aid to residents concerned about escalating Ukrainian attacks, assuring their safety amidst recent deadly incidents
The governor of the Russian region of Belgorod has pledged assistance in relocating civilians concerned about the recent deadly Ukrainian attacks. This acknowledgment of the risks posed by the previously distant war is rare, as it has primarily affected Ukrainians. Belgorod, located near northern Ukraine, has experienced numerous Ukrainian attacks, including an assault on the city last Saturday that resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people.
Ukraine has been consistently targeting Russian regions near the border, but the December 30 attack on Belgorod is believed to be one of the deadliest incidents reported. It came after the largest Russian aerial assault of the conflict, which resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people in Ukraine.
"After the strike on Belgorod, people have come to realize that there is indeed a war going on, and it has now reached Belgorod, perhaps not for the first time, but in the most serious and frightening way," one local told Reuters.
Gladkov directly addressed the residents of Belgorod, stating, "I have seen many posts on social media where you express your fear and ask for assistance to reach a safe place."
"We will definitely provide assistance! Several families have already been relocated. We are doing everything within our power," Gladkov reassured.
The governor announced that his office had previously moved people whose homes in the Shebekinsky district were damaged by shelling. This time, a small group of residents were given shelter while their homes were being repaired. On Friday, for the first time, the top Belgorod official publicly offered to relocate large groups of the local population affected by the war. Residents seeking relocation will also have to travel much farther, up to 87 miles.
Gladkov urged worried residents to contact the city administration to indicate their willingness to evacuate. He also mentioned that there were buses available to transport residents to Stary Oskol and Gubkin, where they would be provided with warm and secure accommodations.
Stary Oskol is approximately 87 miles away from Belgorod, and Gubkin is 74 miles from Belgorod.
"You will stay for as long as needed. If our temporary accommodation centers in the region are full, I will ask other governors from different regions to assist us," Gladkov reassured the civilians.
The governor received numerous calls from neighboring colleagues offering aid to the residents of the Belgorod region. A local business owner in Belgorod shared with Reuters that their business had suffered due to the conflict, with no customers showing up for hours, forcing them to close up shop.
Ukraine's intelligence agency announced that they successfully destroyed a Russian military stronghold in Belgorod on Friday during an incursion. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine claimed to have also destroyed a Russian stronghold and mined the road used by Russians in the Grayvoronsky district.
