Russia’s Belgorod declares regional emergency amid Ukraine bombardment
Al Jazeera
Belgorod governor describes situation as ‘difficult and tense’ amid Ukraine incursion into neighbouring Kursk.
The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region on Ukraine’s northern border has declared a regional state of emergency blaming relentless bombardment by Ukraine.
“The situation in the Belgorod region continues to be extremely difficult and tense,” Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app.
Daily shelling by Ukraine’s armed forces had destroyed houses, and had killed and injured civilians, he added.
“Therefore, we are making a decision, starting today, to declare a regional emergency situation throughout the Belgorod region … with a subsequent appeal to the government to declare a federal emergency situation.”
Gladkov’s announcement comes as Russia battles to push back Ukrainian forces in neighbouring Kursk after thousands of soldiers launched a surprise assault across the border in the early hours of August 6.
