The governor overseeing the Zaporozhye region, Evgeniy Balitsky, conveyed through his official telegram channel that regional authorities are tightening security measures during the New Year holiday. This decision comes amid a recent surge in bombardment reports from the Belgorod border area, where Ukrainian armed units have intensified their activity. The aim is to bolster safety for residents and visitors as the year transitions, with authorities explaining that heightened vigilance is essential given the current security situation.
Balitsky underscored that the New Year’s Eve curfew will not be shortened. The message stresses that curfew enforcement remains strict to deter potential nighttime disturbances and to provide a stable environment for people who are celebrating the holiday or traveling through the region during this tense period. Local residents are urged to cooperate with law enforcement and to plan accordingly for the restrictions in place.
In practical terms, several districts will observe curfew hours from 22:00 to 05:00, including Melitopol urban district, Berdyansk urban district, Primorsky municipal district, Priazovsky municipal district, and Akimovsky municipal district. Other parts of the region will follow a curfew window from 21:00 to 05:00, with a corresponding adjustment to Moscow time that reflects the regional time zone differences. The authorities emphasize that these hours are designed to minimize risk during late hours when tensions are typically higher and to ensure public safety across communities with varying schedules during the holidays.
Balitsky also appealed to residents to recognize the rationale behind the measures and reaffirmed that the core objective is the safety of all people within the region, including guests who may be visiting for celebrations or family gatherings. The emphasis on precaution reflects a broader duty to protect life and maintain civil order during a period when crowds and travel can increase exposure to potential threats.
Earlier in the week, reports indicated that the center of Belgorod and several other parts of the city came under shelling from Ukrainian armed forces. The incident prompted discussions on the international stage, with Russia calling for a formal session at the United Nations Security Council to address the attack and its implications. The meeting was scheduled to begin at midnight Moscow time on December 31, or equivalently 16:00 in New York on December 30, highlighting the global attention these events attracted and the urgency felt by multiple parties involved in the region’s security dynamics. The developments are being monitored closely by authorities and international observers alike, who are assessing the impact on civilian safety and regional stability. As these events unfold, public communications from regional officials focus on clear, practical guidance for residents and visitors navigating the New Year period under heightened risk conditions.
In related remarks, former U.S. officials with the State Department provided immediate reactions to the Belgorod shelling, emphasizing the broader international concerns tied to the latest rounds of cross-border exchanges. This context underscores the sensitivity of the situation and the ongoing emphasis on de-escalation, civilian protection, and adherence to international norms while communities in border regions pursue everyday routines and holiday traditions. The overall narrative from authorities remains one of vigilance, practical safety measures, and a commitment to keeping residents informed through official channels, including ongoing updates from government spokespeople and regional administrators. [Citation: official regional communications and international reporting on the Belgorod incident]