What's happened
Ukrainian strikes in the Russian border region of Belgorod have resulted in casualties and forced the closure of schools and colleges. The attacks come amidst ongoing tensions and incursions into Russian territory, with President Putin vowing a harsh response. The assaults have marred the presidential elections in Russia, with fatal attacks prompting closures of public spaces and an evacuation of children from the region.
Why it matters
The Ukrainian strikes in the Russian border region of Belgorod have led to casualties and heightened tensions between the two countries. The attacks have disrupted daily life, forced school closures, and prompted evacuations, impacting the local population. The ongoing conflict threatens to escalate further, with President Putin vowing retribution and accusing Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the Russian elections.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports on the casualties and damage caused by Ukrainian strikes in the Belgorod region, highlighting the impact on the local population and the response from Russian authorities. The Independent covers the closure of schools and colleges in Belgorod due to ongoing Ukrainian shelling, emphasizing the disruption caused by the attacks. France 24 provides insights into the broader context of the conflict, detailing the impact of the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
How we got here
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for years, with sporadic violence and incursions into each other's territories. The recent Ukrainian strikes in the Belgorod region mark a significant escalation, leading to casualties and property damage. The attacks come amidst heightened tensions and military activities along the border, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and provocation.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Belgorod is a city and the administrative center of Belgorod Oblast, Russia, located on the Seversky Donets River 40 kilometers north of the border with Ukraine. Population: 356,402; 337,030; 300,408.
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Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Gladkov (Russian: Вячеслав Владимирович Гладков; born 15 January 1969) is a Russian statesman and politician. He became the governor of Belgorod Oblast on 27 September 2021, after serving as its acting g
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Alexei Anatolievich Navalny is a Russian politician and anti-corruption activist. He gained prominence in Russia, and in Russian and international media, as a critic of corruption, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government.