In the border village of Kozinka, located in the Belgorod region, residents who endured bombardment from across the border and those attempting to move toward safety were escorted to a secure location. This update came from Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, who spoke on a local information channel and provided a calm, factual account of the morning’s events.
He explained that, together with regional self-defense volunteers and a local priest, teams guided families to safety and offered options to relocate them either to reunite with relatives or to temporary accommodation centers. The governor added that the immediate plan for the day was to conduct a damage assessment and, if conditions allowed, begin the initial stages of recovery and restoration.
Gladkov also mentioned a meeting with residents who are currently staying at a temporary site in Grayvoron, noting the remarkable courage and resilience the community has shown under trying circumstances. He highlighted the solidarity demonstrated by locals, who helped organize shelter, safety, and support during this period of heightened risk.
Earlier, the Belgorod regional administration indicated that no Ukrainian soldiers were present in the immediate area at that time, a clarification meant to address concerns about active military activity near civilian settlements. The regional leadership, including the head of the regional security department, Evgeny Vorobyov, subsequently visited several border villages—Gora-Podol, Glotovo, Kozinka, and areas within the Grayvoron district—to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate ongoing protective measures for residents.
In related developments, an investigative body has opened a criminal case in response to the attacks on the Belgorod region, with investigators reviewing the circumstances surrounding the bombardment and its potential perpetrators. The authorities emphasize that investigations will be thorough, and accountability will be pursued as part of broader efforts to ensure civilian safety and regional stability. [citation]