Russia's Belgorod region seals off border district, evacuates residents Amid Ukrainian military activity

The Krasnoyaruzhsky district in Russia's Belgorod region has been completely closed off, according to a statement from the district's head, Andrei Miskov.

He explained that this decision was taken due to the tense situation in the area, Caliber.Az reports.

"As of today, entry into the municipality is entirely prohibited. This is a necessary, temporary measure aimed at protecting the lives and health of our citizens," Miskov announced.

Belgorod Oblast Governor Viacheslav Gladkov also announced on August 12 that residents of the Krasnoyaruzhsky District, located on the border with Ukraine, would be evacuated due to reported activity of the Ukrainian army in the area.

The Krasnoyaruzhsky district shares a border with Ukraine's Sumy region to the west and the Belovsky district of Russia's Kursk region to the north. 

This comes after the Ukrainian military made a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast on August 6, marking the first time regular Ukrainian forces have entered Russian territory. Ukraine has continued to push further into Kursk Oblast amid ongoing clashes. On August 10, Ukrainian media released a video purportedly showing troops from the 252nd battalion in the village of Poroz in neighbouring Belgorod Oblast.

Earlier reports from Russian media indicated that over 76,000 residents of Kursk Oblast had been evacuated due to the continued fighting.