A Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives, including three children, and left 110 others wounded, as reported by Russian authorities. The assault occurred a day after Moscow initiated a massive and deadly aerial assault on Ukraine.
The fatalities were a consequence of what Russian state news agency TASS described as a “massive” attack on downtown Belgorod, as quoted from the emergencies ministry.
In response, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a stern statement, declaring, “This crime will not go unpunished.” The ministry accused the Kiev regime of attempting to divert attention from their defeats on the front lines and provoking retaliatory actions.
The shelling in Belgorod follows Russia’s largest air attack on Ukraine since the onset of its full-scale invasion, which took place overnight Thursday into Friday, resulting in at least 40 deaths and more than 150 injuries.
While Ukrainian attacks on Russian regions near the border have been ongoing for over a year, with occasional civilian casualties, this incident stands out as one of the single deadliest reported so far. CNN cannot independently verify the death toll. A Ukrainian attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the Belgorod attack, with the Kremlin announcing that a health ministry team and emergencies ministry rescuers have been dispatched to the city to assist those affected.