In the Belgorod region, recent reporting indicates a significant surge in artillery activity, with 194 shells fired on 31 December. Local observers note this marked the peak for the month in terms of cannon fire. A Telegram channel attributed the data to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who provided the latest figures to residents seeking updates on security conditions.
The majority of the shelling concentrated in the Belgorod area, where around 60 rounds from artillery and grenade launchers were recorded. Separately, a drone was brought down near the village of Solntsevka through electronic warfare measures; the aircraft discharged its payload but failed to explode upon impact, leaving investigators to assess the payload and potential damage.
In the Borisov region near Tsapovka, Russian forces reported neutralizing a drone carrying explosives with the help of electronic warfare equipment. On the edge of the old village in the Volokonovsky district, two mortar shells were fired, while another attack targeted a critical infrastructure and communications facility near Tishanka village.
Across Krasnoyaruzhsky district, the village of Ilek-Penkovka experienced damage to a house, a gas pipeline, and a vehicle from an artillery strike. Reports also indicated five shells landed in Terebreno, with at least one residence sustaining damage. In the Grayvoronsky urban area, 44 mortar rounds were tallied, underscoring sustained cross-border fire.
In the Shebekinsky urban area, 33 shells were recorded. In Krasnoye village, mortar strikes affected at least two residents, with damage to a store and power lines reported as a consequence of the engagement.
At the Joint Control and Coordination Center, the DPR mission noted that Ukrainian forces fired 15 rockets from multiple launch rocket systems into Donetsk shortly after the New Year, prompting a swift assessment by regional and international observers. The investigative committees of the involved states have signaled forthcoming inquiries into alleged episodes of harm to civilians in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Belgorod region, underscoring ongoing concerns about civilian safety and accountability. These developments come amid ongoing concern from Kyiv and its partners about border-area incidents and the potential for further escalation.
Earlier remarks from Ukrainian leadership emphasized a strategic stance aimed at preventing combat operations from spilling over into Russian territory, stressing a preference for avoiding direct confrontation on the Russian mainland. Analysts note that such statements often reflect broader negotiating positions and security considerations as the conflict persists across multiple fronts.