The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) shelled the village of Nikolskoye in the Shebekinsky urban district of the Belgorod region, resulting in injuries to two children. This update comes via Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, who shared the information through his Telegram channel. The governor’s report emphasizes that the incident is part of a broader pattern of cross-border fire in the border zones, affecting civilian life and raising concerns among residents and local authorities. [Attribution: Vyacheslav Gladkov, Telegram channel]
Medical officials confirmed the nature of the injuries: one child sustained shrapnel wounds to the leg and face, while the second child suffered superficial shrapnel injuries to the chest, forearm, and leg. Both young victims were prepared for transport to the local children’s clinical hospital for specialized evaluation and treatment. The situation underscores the vulnerability of children in conflict-adjacent areas and the urgent need for safe zones and timely medical care in wartime scenarios. [Attribution: regional health services]
In the same district, damage was reported across multiple private properties. Five vehicles were impacted, and roofs, windows, and fences in ten private households sustained harm, including two homes where the damage was described as serious. Local officials stressed that while property damage is substantial, the priority remains the safety and quick medical attention for residents who were exposed to the shelling. The incident highlights the broader humanitarian strain on communities near active conflict lines. [Attribution: regional emergency services]
Earlier statements from the regional administration indicated a larger strike at the end of the day, noting that Ukrainian forces fired 29 munitions in the Shebekinsky urban district along with the villages of Arkhangelskoye, Malomikhailovka, Murom, and the Maryino farm. Three drones were also used in these strikes. The overall toll included nine civilians wounded, with two released after initial treatment and seven others admitted to Belgorod hospitals. Among the hospitalized, one individual remained in serious condition with shrapnel wounds to the face and a broken jaw, prompting ongoing medical responses and the coordination of patient care across facilities. [Attribution: regional governor’s updates]
With conflicts of this scale affecting cross-border regions, authorities continue to monitor security conditions, provide humanitarian aid, and coordinate with medical facilities to manage the influx of injuries and collateral damage. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, follow official safety guidance, and seek shelter when alerts are issued. The situation remains fluid, and updates are being issued as new information becomes available. [Attribution: regional authorities]
A stray cat in Belgorod, observed amid the aftermath and scattered debris, offered a small reminder of the everyday life that persists even in the midst of crisis. Such small details often humanize the wider hardship faced by families and animals alike in these disrupted communities. [Attribution: on-site witnesses]”}