Belgorod Region Report on Injured Sputnik Journalist and Family After Drone Strike
The governor of Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced via his telegram channel that the wife of a Sputnik journalist who sustained injuries in Belgorod will require about six months to recover. He confirmed that two additional people suffered serious injuries in the same bombardment and were transported to hospitals for urgent care.
Regarding the health status of the journalist’s wife, the regional head described the damage in precise medical terms. He stated that Olesya Igorevna has a very complex fracture of the tibia, fractures of two pelvic bones, and a fracture of the lumbar vertebra’s spinous process. According to Gladkov, medical teams have observed positive signs following surgery, yet her condition remains serious and stable. He cautioned that the road to full recovery could be lengthy, emphasizing the need for careful rehabilitation and continued medical monitoring.
Gladkov added that the rehabilitation process would be slow and prolonged. He said, for at least six months, relearning basic movements such as walking would be essential for the patient. The governor underscored the importance of ongoing medical supervision and the potential challenges that can accompany long-term recovery after such injuries.
Earlier reports indicated injuries from a Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod region. It was later confirmed that the casualties included Khyber Akifi, a 29-year-old journalist affiliated with Sputnik’s Afghan editorial office, and his wife, Olesya. Both were placed in intensive care as doctors assessed the extent of their injuries and began critical care measures.
The head of the regional media group commented that every reasonable measure had been taken to support the family. He noted that arrangements to transfer the wounded to Moscow for further treatment had been made, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the medical situation.
In related context, authorities in Russia reported that the death statistics and life expectancy indicators for Russian citizens remained a focus in health policy discussions for the year 2023. The updates encountered in official reporting underscore ongoing concerns about the well-being and medical resilience of residents affected by conflict incidents and related violence.
This sequence of events highlights the immediate human impact of the strike and the long-term medical needs that arise for those injured. It also points to the careful coordination between regional authorities, hospitals, and national health systems that is required to manage severe trauma cases and assist families navigating what can be a very difficult period. Officials stressed the necessity of continuous care, broader social support, and clear communication with the public about ongoing medical evaluations and treatment plans.