Russia has evacuated thousands of residents from its Belgorod border region amid reports of “Ukrainian activity,” according to local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Nearly 11,000 residents have been moved due to “enemy action,” Gladkov announced.
The Belgorod region, already vulnerable due to its proximity to the Kursk region, has been impacted since Ukrainian troops launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory last Tuesday.
Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 30 kilometers into Russian territory, with Kyiv reporting that thousands of troops are involved.
Gladkov has reported shelling in several areas of the region, resulting in damage to three buildings and other private property.
He assured the public that humanitarian aid would be provided to the evacuated citizens to help them “cope with the threat that has arisen.”