After the intrusion of gunmen into the Russian border region of Belgorod near Ukraine, many residents have left their homes, according to officials. The governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, spoke of at least eight injured. There were no deaths among the civilians. He also issued a terror alert on Monday evening. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to his home country after the summits in Saudi Arabia and Japan. In several areas, air raid alarms were triggered again on Tuesday night.
Unclear situation on the Ukrainian border
The governor spoke of a tense situation in the evening. On Monday morning, the border region came under fire. According to Gladkow, the small town of Graiworon and at least two villages were affected. Several residents had to be hospitalized with injuries. There was also talk of damaged houses.
It is unclear what exactly had happened and whether the operation was still running during the night. Gladkov wrote that the military, the FSB, which is also responsible for border protection, and the National Guard were deployed. Details should still be communicated. Details are expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Russia started its war of aggression against Ukraine 15 months ago and has repeatedly shelled cities and towns in the neighboring country. In recent months, however, Russian regions near the border have also complained of increasing shelling from the Ukrainian side. There were also explosions at military bases.
The governor said after the incident that much of the population had left the area. The city of Graiworon once had 6000,25 inhabitants and the adjacent district more than 000,<>, but it is unclear how many residents in the border region have already left their homes in recent months because of the war.
Who is behind the shelling?
Governor Gladkov blamed a sabotage group of the Ukrainian military. Kiev itself denied any involvement. The units "Russian Volunteer Corps" and "Legion of Freedom of Russia", consisting of Russian citizens, claimed on Telegram that their fighters were responsible. It was seen how they allegedly also captured military vehicles. In the war, both units are fighting on the side of Ukraine. However, the government in Kiev denies its involvement in the action.
It was unclear how many gunmen were killed. In Russian Telegram channels, there was talk of deaths. The "Legion of Freedom of Russia" announced on Ukrainian television that it wanted to create a "demilitarized zone along the border." This information could not be independently verified. The units called on the population not to resist. "We are not your enemies." Freedom is near, Telegram said.
Zelensky expects more weapons
President Zelensky expressed confidence on Monday after his return that more weapons will be delivered to his country. "There will be more weapons for our warriors," the head of state said in a video recorded on the train. "Each time there are more results for Ukraine: more anti-aircraft, artillery, armor, ammunition, training."
At the summit of the countries of the Arab League, Zelensky had called for support in the defensive struggle. Subsequently, at the G-7 summit of the largest economies in Japan, he received a commitment in principle from the United States for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets.