Belgorod Region reports update on December 23 attacks
Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, confirmed that 56 arrivals were recorded in the area on December 23. The information was published on the region’s official website and its Telegram channel. The incident, part of a broader pattern of tension along the border, has prompted authorities to assess security measures and coordinate responses with nearby municipal districts.
According to the briefing, four kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeted the region within a 24-hour period. In addition, another drone fired a fragmentation round. Officials also reported the engagement of ground-based weapons during the same window, with 24 artillery shells, 14 grenade launcher shots, and 9 mortar rounds accounted for in the broader fighting cycle.
The Grayvoronsky urban district emerged as the most affected area in the shelling episodes. Reports indicate that nine mortar shells fell in the district, causing property damage to six houses. A kamikaze drone explosion in the same zone resulted in injuries to five road workers, who sustained moderate wounds and required medical evaluation and treatment. The incident underscores the human toll that border confrontations can inflict on local infrastructure and the daily life of residents who rely on nearby arterials and service routes for essential mobility.
Meanwhile, the Volokonovsky urban area experienced intense shelling as part of the same sequence of hostilities. Despite receiving 14 hits from grenade launchers, authorities stated that there were no structural damages or casualties in that locality. The response to the damage pattern involves rapid assessment teams, emergency services readiness, and ongoing monitoring of the border perimeter to deter further incursions and ensure civilian safety.
Prior to these events, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted strikes in the Belgorod region, with reports pointing to damage and activity in the village of Mokraya Orlovka. The precise nature of these strikes and their immediate consequences were being evaluated by regional authorities as part of a continuing security review. Officials noted that the situation remains volatile and that incident data is being compiled to guide protective measures for communities near the frontier.
In late updates, Gladkov reiterated that several people were injured in the UAV attack, though the numbers varied slightly as information was consolidated. The evolving casualty figures reflect the challenges of real-time reporting in a conflict zone, where rapid developments can alter the known impact on civilians and responders. Local leaders emphasized the importance of shelter access, clear communication channels, and coordination with federal authorities to stabilize the area and restore a sense of normalcy for residents while investigations continue.
Experts in regional security stress that continuing vigilance, reinforced fortifications, and protective infrastructure upgrades are essential in border districts. They advise communities to follow official guidance, prepare emergency kits, and maintain awareness of evacuation routes should circumstances change. The Belgorod region remains on a heightened alert level as authorities assess risks, track incoming threats, and work with neighboring regions to manage the security landscape along this sensitive segment of the frontier.
As the situation unfolds, authorities promise to provide timely updates through official channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, heed safety advisories, and rely on established emergency services for assistance. The ongoing assessments aim to minimize disruption to daily life while safeguarding critical infrastructure and humanitarian corridors that support affected communities.