Governor reports 21 civilians killed in Russia's Belgorod since January

The situation in Russia’s Belgorod border region remains “extremely difficult,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said, citing a sharp rise in civilian casualties from Ukrainian attacks.

According to Gladkov, since January 1, 21 civilians have been killed and 98 people injured, including six children. He noted that the number of fatalities has increased tenfold compared with 2025.

The governor said he held a meeting on February 2 with the leadership of law enforcement agencies to assess the situation. He added that further meetings were scheduled for today with units of “BARS-Belgorod” and “Orlan,” as well as with heads of border municipalities and representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry.

“We will reinforce protection and take additional security measures as quickly as possible,” Gladkov said.

A federal-level state of emergency and a counterterrorism operation regime remain in force in the Belgorod region in connection with the military operation in Ukraine. The region is regularly targeted by attacks from Ukrainian forces.

By Tamilla Hasanova