Belgorod region of Russia declares state of emergency
The offensive operations of Ukraine on Russian territory continue and are focused on Kursk. Meanwhile, various air strikes are being reported from the neighboring region of Belgorod, with ground fighting also said to have taken place. Governor Gladkow has reacted.
After the Ukrainian surprise attack on the Russian region of Kursk and the declaration of a state of emergency there, the neighboring region of Belgorod is also coming into focus. From there, Russian troops had previously launched massive attacks on Ukraine, making Belgorod a frequent target of attacks by Kyiv's forces, which now appear to have been significantly strengthened. The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, declared a regional state of emergency in response to the attacks, as he announced on Telegram.
On his channel, Gladkov currently warns several times a day about Ukrainian rockets and reports damage from attacks. Among other places, the city of Shebekino was reportedly attacked last night. The situation is "extremely difficult and tense," Gladkov said. He called on the Russian government to declare a "federal state of emergency."
On Monday, Gladkov met with Vladimir Putin and other regional governors and military leaders to discuss the situation in the border regions. Unlike the governor of Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, he did not appear to be the target of Putin's apparent anger over the developments in the border regions.
Reports of fighting at border crossing
Also on Monday, the pro-Russian military channel "Rybar" on Telegram reported fighting at the Russian border crossing of Kolotylovka in Belgorod. Ukrainian forces are trying to break through there, it said. An attack by saboteurs was reportedly repelled. Russian reserves are stationed in the combat area and are preparing for a more serious attack by Ukrainian forces, according to "Rybar."
There are currently no indications of a similarly comprehensive Ukrainian operation in the Belgorod region as in the Kursk region. The exact operational goal of the offensive by Kyiv's forces in Kursk remains unknown. There is also no information about any plans for Belgorod.
Recently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said in an address that there are "difficult and intense" fights in Kursk, but the forces are advancing and the "exchange fund" is growing. By this, he means the capture of Russian soldiers to be exchanged later for Ukrainian ones. According to Zelenskyy, 74 Russian communities in the Kursk region are under Ukrainian control. He also reported "next steps" and corresponding "preparations."
In light of the ongoing conflicts in the Kursk region, the European Union has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Given the proximity of the Belgorod region to the conflict zone, there have been calls for increased support and assistance from the EU to strengthen the region's defenses.
