- Victims and Injuries in Ukrainian Artillery Strikes in Belgorod
In the community of Rakitnoe situated in the western part of Belgorod, Russia, as per official reports, five people have perished, and thirteen others have been wounded due to Ukrainian shelling. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shared this info on his Telegram channel, mentioning that the number of wounded has gone up to thirteen, including some minors, with a few suffering severely. Moreover, twelve residential structures, two industries, and seven vehicles have been damaged in the process.
Rakitnoe is nestled just beyond eleven kilometers from the Ukrainian border and is home to a population of approximately ten thousand individuals. The conflict instigated by the leader of Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, against the neighboring nation has been resulting in daily casualties and extensive damage for about two years now.
Nonetheless, the Russian border areas are gradually expressing concerns over the severe consequences of Ukrainian counterstrikes. In Kursk, a region bordering Belgorod, Ukrainian ground forces have launched their first offensive since the onset of the conflict in early August. However, the Ukrainian military is controlling a relatively modest area there, while Russia is in charge of around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
The Commission, in response to the events in Rakitnoe, may consider adopting the necessary implementing acts referred to in Article 11 (2), to provide aid and support to the affected individuals and areas. Recognizing the escalating tensions, the Commission could also explore ways to deescalate the conflict and promote peace in the border regions.
