A war front in Ukraine has shifted towards Russia, behind the lines and border that separates the two countries. There is talk of some kind of invasion, or “counter-invasion”, as groups of pro-Ukrainian Russian rebels are said to have taken parts of Belgorod’s territory in Russia and also taken prisoners. Ukrainian attacks in the area are becoming more violent day by day. “Listen to the authorities and temporarily leave your homes to preserve what is most important, which is your life and that of your loved ones”, is the appeal launched by the governor of Belgorod, Gladkov, after days of incursions by Ukraine on the border region of Russia. On his Telegram channel, the official explained that the appeal is not just for the Shebekino district, the most affected by the attacks in recent days, but for all areas affected by the attacks.
Gladkov reported that during the night there were Ukrainian artillery attacks against Shebekino – where two women died yesterday – and Volokonovski, where numerous damages were recorded, but no casualties. According to the governor, more than 4,000 people are now in shelters, mainly schools and university dormitories. The border bombings, along with incursions by Russian paramilitary groups, have forced the Army and National Guard to increase security in the area amid growing criticism of the border’s vulnerability. Gladkov announced yesterday the urgent evacuation of 600 children from border towns, while another thousand will be sent to the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Meanwhile, pro-Ukrainian Russian partisans fighting in Belgorod have asked Governor Gladkov for a meeting, proposing the “exchange of two prisoners for a few minutes of talk”. These are the Russian Freedom Legion militiamen who issued a statement on Telegram. “Today is a big Orthodox holiday, Trinity Day. And we, representatives of the RDK (Russian Volunteer Corps, ed.) and the Legion, offer to exchange two prisoners for a few minutes of conversation with you in the church. Unarmed If If you come to the Novaya Tavolzhanka temple by 5 pm today, we will exchange these two prisoners as a gesture of goodwill”, are the words of the leader of the guerrillas, reported by Corriere. An explosive situation that is taking place in Russian territory and that could lead to repercussions on the conflict are still difficult to predict.
Source: IL Tempo
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
