Russia's Belgorod sees tripling of civilian casualties amid Ukrainian attacks

Ukraine's Armed Forces continue to attack the Belgorod region, and as a result of shelling and drone attacks, more than 14,000 residents from 68 border municipalities have been evacuated, said Olga Medvedeva, Assistant to the Deputy Governor of the Belgorod Region for Internal Policy.

Medvedeva made the remarks during an international video conference with Rodion Miroshnik, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, per Russian media.

“Due to the worsening situation, more than 14,000 people who lived along the border in 68 settlements of the Belgorod region have been evacuated,” she said.

In the Belgorod region, 124 settlements remain under constant threat to the lives and health of residents due to attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In 2026, the number of deaths and injuries caused by attacks on the Belgorod region has nearly tripled compared to the same period in 2025.

“The number of civilian casualties in the Belgorod region as a result of Ukrainian attacks in 2026 has almost tripled compared to the same period last year,” Medvedeva added.

“In 2026, compared to the same period last year, the number of rocket artillery shellings [on the Belgorod region] has tripled, and the number of drone attacks has doubled. As a result, the number of civilian deaths and injuries has almost tripled,” she said.

By Khagan Isayev