Russian Mainland Belgorod, Ammunition Depot and Residential Areas Explode... "Ukrainian Retaliatory Airstrike"

Russia "Damage Spread Due to Ukrainian Military Attack"
Ukraine "Result of Russian Missile Misfire"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian authorities announced that Ukraine has repeatedly shelled an ammunition depot following attacks on residential areas in Belgorod, a southern border city. Ukraine denies attacking Russian territory, claiming the incident was caused by a misfired Russian missile.

According to TASS news agency on the 13th (local time), Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod Oblast, stated on his Telegram account, "An ammunition depot in Belgorod Oblast exploded after being shelled by Ukrainian forces," adding, "Initial reports indicate no casualties. Residents will be evacuated to safe locations."

Governor Gladkov also reported that a border post in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, was destroyed by a Ukrainian attack. Earlier that morning, it was reported that civilian residential areas in Belgorod, the capital of Belgorod Oblast, suffered shelling damage. Gladkov said, "Ukrainian forces shelled Belgorod, damaging apartments on Gubkin Street. We are currently assessing the extent of the damage," and added, "Missile fragments fell on a nearby school playground, and not only Belgorod but also the adjacent village of Krasnoye was attacked."

Separately, in Kursk Oblast, which borders Ukraine to the north of Belgorod Oblast, a substation was attacked, causing power outages in two villages, according to local authorities. Ammunition depots, residential areas, and infrastructure were all targeted simultaneously. The Russian side claims that this attack was led by Ukraine in retaliation for airstrikes on major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv.

Belgorod is a southern Russian city located about 40 km from the northeastern border with Ukraine. It serves as a key supply hub with Russian military fuel and ammunition depots and has been bombed multiple times since the outbreak of the conflict. Many missiles aimed at Kharkiv, a major city in northeastern Ukraine, have also been launched from here.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities maintain that they have not conducted any airstrikes on Russian territory. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian presidential office, claimed that the damage to residential areas in Belgorod was caused by a missile Russia fired toward Kharkiv that fell off course.

Ukraine has not responded to the explosion at the Belgorod ammunition depot. To date, Ukraine has not acknowledged any attacks on Russian territory such as Belgorod. The United States and Western countries supporting Ukraine also oppose attacks on Russian territory, which could potentially escalate the conflict.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.