Belgorod –
Russia reported 25 people died on the Russian border, in the Belgorod region to be precise. In addition, as many as 96 people were injured as a result of the exchange of fire that occurred in the area.
“Ukraine, the enemy, is targeting peaceful settlements. There are 25 people killed, 96 people injured,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov told Putin in a televised address.
This is the first time Russian officials have announced an official death toll for Russian territory since the start of Moscow’s assault on Ukraine. Gladkov also said about 6,500 people had to be evacuated from the border village and were essentially “refugees”.
For your information, the Belgorod region, including the city of the same name, has been repeatedly hit by shelling since Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24 last year. Russia also accused Ukraine of carrying out drone strikes on military airfields hundreds of kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.
Following the defeat in Ukraine, the authorities in the Belgorod and Kursk border regions strengthened their defensive lines.
During the meeting, Putin also praised Russian weapons. He also asked the local governor to maintain and stabilize the situation in the region.
“Practical combat work has shown that Russia’s air defense is one of the best in the world,” Putin said.
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