In the Belgorod region, an attack connected to Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups resulted in human losses and injuries among Russian military personnel. Reports indicate that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries, with initial details provided by state media and later corroborated by official military communications. The events prompted a swift chain of official statements and security responses as authorities assessed the situation on the ground.
According to the military’s own account, the bombardment led to four servicemen being transported to medical facilities with shrapnel injuries, while two additional soldiers lost their lives at the scene. These figures were shared by the defense establishment to law enforcement and the public through the appropriate channels, reflecting the severity of the incident and the immediate medical and logistical challenges faced by units in the affected area. The information underscores the real and ongoing risks encountered by servicemen operating near the border regions in this episode.
On May 22, the saboteur operation, allegedly conducted by a Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group, was reported to have reached the Grayvoron district of the Belgorod region. Authorities, including Gladkov, stressed that the Russian Armed Forces, the border service, the National Guard, and the FSB mobilized their resources to locate and neutralize the saboteurs. The statements highlighted coordinated measures across multiple security and defense agencies designed to restore order and ensure civilian safety in the wake of the incursion.
Following these events, the government activated counter-terrorism procedures within the Belgorod region. The step was presented as a mechanism to expand the operational toolkit available to authorities, enabling a more robust and rapid response to any ongoing or potential threats in border territories. The activation of such measures typically signals heightened security posture and reinforced patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence-sharing among agencies operating in the area.
As more information emerged, the total toll covered by the incident was updated with casualty figures and wound counts reported by official sources. The evolving data reflected the complexity of events, including not only the immediate casualties but also the extended impact on medical facilities, civilian life, and regional security operations. Authorities continued to monitor the situation and communicate updates as they became available, ensuring transparency about the human cost and the security response.
By May 23, regional authorities, together with law enforcement and defense forces, focused efforts on clearing the Graivoronsky district of the Belgorod region of continuing threats associated with the DRG presence. The ongoing operation indicated a sustained push to restore normal conditions, safeguard communities, and prevent further incursions. The coordination among police, security services, and military units was emphasized as essential to the stabilization process and to reassure residents in surrounding areas.
In connection with the events, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case under several articles of the Criminal Code. This action reflected the legal framework used to investigate acts of sabotage, attacks on border security, and related offenses, with investigators collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and pursuing accountability through the court system. The decision illustrates the formal judicial response that accompanies security operations in such scenarios, aiming to establish facts and determine responsibility under applicable law.
Subsequently, the Belgorod region’s governor announced the decision to suspend the anti-terrorist operation regime in response to changing circumstances on the ground. The move suggested a shift from heightened security measures toward a return to normal administrative operations, while maintaining vigilance and readiness to reimpose the regime if security conditions deteriorate again. This kind of transition is a common step in the management of large-scale security events in border provinces, balancing civil stability with ongoing risk assessment.