KYIV: The Ukrainian shelling has again targeted Russian city of Belgorod hours after schools in the area were asked to extend their holidays due to the risk of further attacks, officials said on Thursday.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said at least two people were injured in the latest shelling.
Social media channels circulated the images of damaged cars in the city after the strike near the Ukraine border.
Vyacheslav Gladkov added that according to preliminary data, there are two victims in the incident. He said one man has a shrapnel injury to the forearm, while the other has a shrapnel wound on his shin.
The governor said Russian air defense system worked over Belgorod as 10 air targets were shot down while approaching the city.
Ukraine war getting closer to Russians
The Kremlin has always tried to keep an impression of normalcy on the front, but the recent deadly strikes on Belgorod have brought the Ukraine war closer to Russians.
Officials said a strike on the city last Saturday killed 25 people, the deadliest on civilians in Russia since the war started in February 2022.
Schools in several municipalities close to the Ukrainian border were asked to extend their holidays beyond the scheduled winter break.
Russian schools have been closed as the country celebrates Orthodox Christmas on January 7.
Vyacheslav Gladkov added technical colleges and universities situated in these municipalities are advised to hold classes remotely. He said that the holidays could be further prolonged.
Belgorod city is located about 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and has been repeatedly hit indiscriminate shelling by Kyiv’s forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to increase strikes in response to Saturday’s attack, with Moscow’s forces hitting areas across Ukraine throughout the week.
