The governor of Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that the Ukrainian armed forces opened fire on the Kozinka border crossing, located in the Graivoronsky urban district. This information was shared via his official telegraph channel. According to Gladkov, the attack struck today at the Kozinka crossing, with reports noting casualties in the incident. An elderly woman, aged 85, sustained a mild concussion as a result of the blast wave affecting her home near the bombing site. She was promptly transported to the regional hospital where she received the required medical care.
Gladkov also described the immediate response from local authorities, including the deployment of emergency services to secure the area and provide assistance to affected residents. The governor underscored that the incident highlighted the ongoing security challenges along the regional border and the need for vigilant protection of civilian life and infrastructure in border communities. The regional hospital and emergency teams coordinated closely to monitor the condition of the injured elderly woman and to ensure continuity of care for those in nearby homes who may have been impacted by the blast wave.
In his previous statements, Gladkov noted that the Belgorod region maintains seven regional defense battalions along the border, totaling around three thousand personnel. These units were formed beginning in November 2022 to bolster regional security and rapid response capabilities. While these formations do not currently possess armed weapons, they are equipped with uniforms, gear, and rigorous combat training. Regional authorities are actively evaluating the possibility of supplying weapons to territorial defense units to enhance their effectiveness in protecting border communities and deterring cross-border threats. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader effort to strengthen civil defense and disaster response in response to evolving security conditions in the region.