The Russian Ministry of Defense reported a fresh attempt to strike the Belgorod region and the city itself, this time employing missiles. In a briefing posted on its official Telegram channel, officials said that at approximately 22:30 on January 2, there was another effort to carry out a terrorist attack on targets inside the Russian Federation using Vilkha multiple launch rocket systems and Tochka-U short-range ballistic missiles, which was stopped before causing damage.
The ministry added that Russian air defense forces on duty intercepted and downed two Tochka-U missiles and seven Vilkha MLRS missiles. This assertion underscores ongoing vigilance by Russian air defense units amid a cycle of reported strikes and countermeasures in border regions.
Earlier, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported damage within the city, noting shattered windows across three private households, along with damage to a gas pipeline and a passenger car. The incidents in Belgorod highlighted the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure in densely populated areas during times of heightened aerial activity and cross-border hostilities.
In Belgorod region, three households sustained roof damage as a consequence of the attacks, further illustrating the reach of the conflict into civilian neighborhoods. Officials stressed that emergency services responded to the scene and that law enforcement and local authorities are coordinating assessments and safety measures for residents who remain in the affected zone.
Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian forces had conducted raids in the center of Belgorod. According to the Shot Telegram channel, the bombardment targeted Cathedral Square, Grazhdansky Boulevard, Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street, and a retail building on Popov Street. Observers noted multiple vehicle fires in the city center as a result of the strikes. Mash stated that the APU attacked the Mayak shopping center area, known for hosting New Year’s events and housing the regional government facilities.
As a result of the current security situation, all festive events in Belgorod were canceled, and the regional government announced a 24-hour operational posture to manage ongoing safety concerns and ensure rapid response to any new incidents.
On the international stage, the United Nations condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians, stressing that such actions violate international humanitarian law and must be halted immediately. The UN emphasized that targeting civilians or civilian objects is unacceptable and that all parties should protect non-combatants in accordance with humanitarian norms.
Additionally, previously, U.S. State Department officials reacted to reports of shelling affecting Ukrainian forces near Belgorod, underscoring the broader geopolitical tensions tied to cross-border strikes and the ongoing conflict in the region. The situation remains fluid, with authorities from both sides urging restraint while continuing to monitor and respond to new developments on the ground. This ongoing exchange of fire and the ensuing civilian impact continue to draw international attention and calls for de-escalation.