HomeInternational NewsBelgorod Under Attack: Civilian Casualties Rise Amid Conflict

Belgorod Under Attack: Civilian Casualties Rise Amid Conflict

On May 12, Alexander’s apartment shook, and his windows shattered when his city, Belgorod, located in the Russian region near Ukraine, was subjected to attacks. “The nearby building was severely damaged, and two or three structures along the roof collapsed,” said the 31-year-old IT worker. He attempted to contact his landlord to discuss the damages to his apartment, but she did not answer her phone. The roof of her building had also collapsed during the attack. “Many young people ran over from neighboring buildings to dig through the ruins,” he recounted. “She died. The roof also collapsed, and volunteers thought everyone was dead, but they managed to rescue some people, even after that.” In total, 15 people were killed, and 16 were rescued from the debris.

Belgorod, the capital of the eponymous region, holds strategic importance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situated just 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Belgorod has served as a base for Russia’s invasion since February 2022, making the city a target for Ukrainian counterattacks. Residents report intensified artillery shelling and drone strikes.

“I have seen and heard the bombardments of Belgorod since the beginning of the war,” said Yuliya, a 21-year-old journalist who wished to remain anonymous. “It was impossible not to hear it; it affected everyone in the city. Nowhere is safe. Even in the city center, where there was never anything bad before, there should be protection.”

According to the local Russian governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, over 200 residents in the Belgorod region have lost their lives due to fighting since 2022, with more than a thousand others injured, including many children who have had to undergo amputations. The deadliest incident occurred on December 30, 2022, when a rocket attack struck the city during New Year celebrations.

Despite the intense conflict, there have been attempts to provide aid to homeless residents in Belgorod. A grocery service has initiated a function allowing people from across Russia to purchase food and essentials for those affected.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also declared an operation to create a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine to protect Belgorod from counterattacks. The governor has prohibited access to 14 border villages since late July, effectively establishing a buffer zone on Russian territory.

While many residents of Belgorod have fled the city, some are attempting to continue their lives as normal. “During the summer, we had really wonderful weather, and the park was filled with people,” Alexander recalled. “But the air raid siren began to sound, and a girl played the piano as if nothing had happened.”

Concerns about the future vary among residents. “Yes, I am afraid that it will continue, and the more it happens, the more frightening it becomes,” Yuliya admitted. “I think I might have symptoms of PTSD because I feel scared to leave the house.”

Civilians in Belgorod are facing a new and frightening reality. While the war has instilled fear, it has also triggered a sustainable strength among those who remain in the region and has fostered an increasing dialogue about peace. As the conflict persists, it is evident that the human costs of the war will continue to impact both Russia and Ukraine.

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