8 civilians injured in overnight Ukrainian shelling in Russia's Belgorod region: Governor

By Burc Eruygur and Elena Teslova

ISTANBUL/MOSCOW (AA) - At least eight civilians were injured during overnight shelling by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Belgorod region, local authorities reported on Thursday.

“Bad morning stood out in the Belgorod region. In the Shebekinsky District, shelling by the Armed Forces of Ukraine is ongoing. Eight people were wounded. There are no dead,” Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

Gladkov claimed there were no Ukrainian forces on the territory of the Belgorod region, further saying that the Russian Armed Forces, as well as the Federal Security Service and the National Guard, are “on the spot.”

He stated that civilian lives are at risk, leading city and district administrations to initiate plans for evacuating people to temporary accommodations.

“Of course, this cannot be done under fire. We need to wait for the end of the arrivals, the end of the explosions, the end of the risks of being injured or killed by the shells of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he said.

He further added that assistance would be provided in case of urgent evacuation, and for security reasons, the gathering places will not be disclosed to the public

“As soon as it calms down, we will continue the removal of people. All points of temporary accommodation are ready,” Gladkov said.

Gladkov also noted on Telegram that two people were injured in an explosion, allegedly caused by a drone crash in Belgorod.

In a later statement, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it foiled three attempts by Ukraine to carry out a “terrorist act” against civilians in the city of Shebekino around 3 a.m. local time (0000GMT).

“After intensive shelling of civilian targets in the Belgorod region, Ukrainian terrorist formations with forces of up to two motorized infantry companies, reinforced with tanks, attempted to invade the territory of the Russian Federation near the settlement of Novaya Tavolzhanka and the Shebekino international automobile checkpoint,” the statement said.

It further claimed that Ukrainian forces were repelled after suffering significant losses.

Kremlin spokesman also commented on the issue during a press briefing, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin constantly receives reports from officials about the measures being taken in the region.

Ukraine’s armed forces have allegedly unleashed a series of attacks on Russia's border regions in recent months, notably Bryansk and Belgorod, which were hit with drones and artillery.