Russian region takes precautionary measures amid escalating Ukrainian attacks

All schools and colleges in certain parts of the Russian region of Belgorod will be closed on Monday and Tuesday due to a rise in Ukrainian attacks, as announced by the region's governor.

Shopping malls will also be closed on Sunday and Monday, according to a statement by Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. These closures affect districts near the border with Ukraine, including the city of Belgorod.

The ongoing attacks have made the war in Ukraine feel distant to many Russians.

Gladkov expressed, “The situation is tough in both the city and Belgorod district. Safety is our top priority.”

Teachers, nannies, and technical staff are all feeling concerned," he mentioned.

Schools and colleges in the affected districts have been closed since last Tuesday evening when Gladkov declared that students would have "days of self-learning" until Friday. He expressed hope that schools could reopen for normal activities by Monday.

A man rides a bicycle near a damaged market pavilion hit by recent shelling in the town of Shebekino in the Belgorod region of Russia on March 11.

A man rides a bicycle near a damaged market pavilion hit by recent shelling in the town of Shebekino in the Belgorod region of Russia on March 11.

Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Ukraine has been attacking the Belgorod region off and on since the first half of 2023 but scaled up shelling and strikes most about a week ago.

People in Belgorod, like in other parts of Russia, are participating in a poll where Vladimir Putin is expected to be re-elected as president. Voting has been ongoing for a second day in Belgorod, with some individuals being arrested by authorities for engaging in acts of civil disobedience.

On Saturday, Gladkov mentioned that two individuals lost their lives in attacks that occurred in the early morning. One of the victims was a truck driver whose vehicle was struck by a shell.

In a post on its Telegram channel on Saturday, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces successfully thwarted attempts made by Ukrainian fighters to enter Russia in various areas. They stated that they conducted a comprehensive fire assault on enemy troops and equipment concentrations.

Local residents in Belgorod have been sharing videos on social media platforms in the region. These videos show explosions in the city and fires burning near residential buildings due to Ukrainian strikes.

In one of the videos, a woman can be heard expressing her fear to her mother about leaving her apartment.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian groups of Russian fighters launched a cross-border attack in Belgorod. The city also experienced heavy drone strikes and shelling.

According to a CNN report, at least five people have been killed in the past week, with several dozen others wounded.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with the Belgorod region of Russia facing increased attacks from Ukrainian forces. The closure of schools, colleges, and shopping malls in the affected areas highlights the severity of the situation and the growing threat to civilians. The local population is understandably concerned, as evidenced by the videos circulating on social media showing explosions and fires near residential buildings.

The Ukrainian attacks serve as a stark reminder that the war is far from over, and its effects are being felt far beyond the immediate conflict zone. The displacement of people, the disruption of education, and the loss of life are all tragic consequences of this ongoing conflict. It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution to end this senseless violence. loss of lives and the displacement of residents further underscore the tragic consequences of the ongoing hostilities.