In Belgorod and across its region, air defense measures were reported to have intercepted threats as the situation unfolded. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, said in his official Telegram channel that 16 air targets were struck on their approach to the city. He noted this as part of a live update on the incident.
The governor described tangible consequences of this attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Windows were shattered in 26 flats across 12 apartment buildings in Belgorod, and damage extended to medical facilities as well as the warehouse building associated with the regional children’s clinic. In addition, two of eight automobiles, as well as the hospital itself, were reported to be completely burned.
In the village of Dubovoe within the Belgorod region, three apartments in an apartment building sustained window damage, along with damage to the roof and fence of a private residence. A single car was damaged in that locality. Gladkov also reported shrapnel striking three cars in the nearby village of Repnoye.
Officials indicated that the full scale of the casualties and damage is still being clarified as the situation develops.
Earlier statements noted that a missile warning siren had been activated in Belgorod and across the surrounding region, signaling the emergence of a heightened alert.
In separate remarks, President Zelensky described measures to prevent any escalation and said Ukraine remains focused on avoiding hostilities spreading into Russian territory.