According to statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense, actions attributed to Ukrainian nationalist formations have escalated into violence against civilians in the Belgorod region. The ministry asserts that after the fall of Artemovsk, also known as Bakhmut in Ukrainian, Kyiv’s forces allegedly shifted to measures intended to terrorize noncombatants along the Russian border. The claims describe a sequence in which, on May 22, a force identified as a Ukrainian nationalist contingent moved across the border and targeted civilian sites within the Belgorod area.
The defense ministry reports state that the incident involved intense artillery shelling directed at the Kozinka international checkpoint and other civilian infrastructure in the Graivoronsky district. In the ministry’s account, Russian border troops and local security units responded to the incursion with a combination of air strikes, artillery fire, and active measures designed to defend the state border. The description suggests that the operation was intended to disrupt civilian life and create fear within the local population, with authorities confirming ongoing counter-terrorist activity at the time of reporting.
Officials emphasized that protective actions were taken to safeguard residents in the border area. The narrative presents a picture of a concerted effort by Russia to repel an armed intrusion and to prevent further harm to civilians, while also signaling that investigative steps are underway to determine the full scope and intent of the assault. Observers should monitor subsequent statements from the ministry for updates and corroborating information. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
As the situation develops, regional authorities may issue additional advisories for residents along the border. The events described are part of a broader pattern of regional security challenges involving cross-border movements and the potential for civilian disruption in areas adjacent to active conflict zones. Citizens in the Belgorod region are advised to follow official guidance and remain attentive to any security alerts issued by local authorities. [attribution: Official statements]