MOSCOW: Russia claimed to have foiled a Ukrainian attempt to “invade” its southwestern border as missiles pounded Kyiv, resulting in the death of three individuals, including a child. The Ukrainian capital has faced near-nightly air raids throughout May, with a notable daytime attack on Monday that sent residents scrambling for shelter.
As Kyiv deployed its air defenses against a fresh barrage of Russian missiles, Moscow announced that it had prevented Ukrainian troops from “invading” its southwestern Belgorod region at approximately 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT).
The Russian defense ministry reported the involvement of up to 70 militants, five tanks, four armored vehicles, seven pickup trucks, and a Kamaz truck in the attack, along with at least three attempted crossings. The Russian forces utilized air force and artillery to repel the assaults, resulting in the death of over 50 Ukrainian fighters.
The Belgorod region, which experienced an unprecedented two-day armed incursion last week, has faced intensified attacks in recent days. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov disclosed that 12 individuals were wounded in the previous 24 hours in the Shebekino district. Displaced residents sought refuge in centers located in the regional capital of Belgorod, prompting additional coordination for those arriving in an organized manner.
Mayor Valentin Demidov stated that the main displaced center in Belgorod was accommodating numerous families with children, including infants and disabled individuals, and efforts would be made to provide them with adequate care. In the city itself, two people sustained injuries when a drone crashed near a petrol station.
Russia Criticizes International Community’s Silence
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the priority of providing assistance to affected people and facilitating their resettlement, assuring continuous updates to President Vladimir Putin on the situation. Peskov also criticized the international community’s silence regarding the strikes, highlighting the absence of criticism directed towards Kyiv despite ample evidence, including footage, of strikes targeting residential buildings and social infrastructure.
Russia has experienced unprecedented attacks on its own soil, including a recent drone attack in Moscow. Following the deployment of at least eight drones in that incident, the Russian foreign ministry accused the West of encouraging the Ukrainian leadership towards increasingly reckless actions. Ukraine, on the other hand, denied direct involvement.
The latest attack by Moscow on Kyiv began shortly before 3:00 am local time when missiles were launched from Russia’s Bryansk region. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted and destroyed all ten missiles launched by Russia. Unfortunately, three individuals, including a nine-year-old child, lost their lives in Kyiv’s northeastern Desnyanskyi district due to falling rocket fragments, with an additional 16 people sustaining injuries.
Yaroslav Ryabchuk, the husband of one of the victims, described the horrific scene, stating that the shelter where they sought refuge from Russian strikes was closed on the day of the attack. He returned to find a chaotic scene with blood, injured children, and women. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his determination to hold those responsible for the closed shelter accountable during a press conference in Moldova. Moscow maintains that its targets in Ukraine are solely military installations.
