Early on January 3, an air defense system activated over Belgorod and the Belgorod region. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Telegram that six Tochka-U missiles and six Vilkha MLRS missiles were neutralized within the region.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov clarified that two separate attacks were recorded. The regional situation remained tense as authorities assessed the aftermath and ongoing risks.
Officials also reported on the consequences of the shelling that had occurred on January 2. In the course of that day, Ukrainian forces fired more than 50 artillery shells into the area, resulting in damage and casualties.
The results of the shelling in Belgorod
Following the bombardment, two additional unexploded ordnance devices were found in the private sector. The city’s mayor, Valentin Demidov, confirmed that an explosive device connected to forces of the Russian Guard and the Ministry of Defense had been neutralized at the scene. Work continued to resolve the remaining threat from the second piece of ammunition.
According to the mayor, the affected areas were cordoned off and residents remained safe while authorities addressed the situation.
Residents were advised to stay at home if possible. It was announced that large shopping centers would operate with reduced hours on January 3 and 4. Regional authorities also decided to scale back public transportation within the Belgorod metropolitan area due to the ongoing shelling.
International reaction
In the wake of the major attack on December 30 that resulted in 25 deaths, Ukrainian forces continued to strike Belgorod region regularly. A second large bombardment occurred on January 2, causing one death and injuring 11 people.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged steps to deescalate tensions and safeguard civilians amid the Russia-Ukraine clashes. He called for respect for international humanitarian law and for urgent measures to reduce hostilities, protect noncombatants, and limit harm from attacks announced on social media platform X.
The OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid faced criticism from some quarters who argued that the organization did not condemn the Ukrainian strikes on Belgorod. Critics said the position appeared to align with Kiev rather than upholding universal humanitarian norms.
The opposite effect for Kyiv
A columnist for Asia Times argued that Kyiv’s decision to bomb Belgorod could backfire by jeopardizing Western support if it leads to direct escalation with Russia. The piece suggested consequences might include pressures within Western capitals to reconsider support for Kyiv in the face of heightened risk.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces continued to carry out strikes on Russian border regions. Reports from Sevastopol cited a nighttime attack on the city, while officials in Kursk described damage to a substation during shelling on January 3. The event reportedly disrupted a heating network in Zheleznogorsk, leaving thousands without heat as forecasts warned of bitter cold in the Kursk region, with temperatures potentially dropping to as low as minus 23 degrees Celsius.
These developments underscore the fragile security situation along the border and the ongoing strain on civilian life in affected areas. International observers stressed the importance of protecting civilians and adhering to humanitarian norms amid hostilities.