An apartment block in the Russian border city of Belgorod experienced a partial collapse on Sunday, with officials attributing the incident to Ukrainian shelling. The 10-story building was struck, leading to casualties and injuries among residents.
Footage circulating online depicted the harrowing scene as rescuers navigated through the debris in search of survivors within the building's stairwell. The situation grew increasingly perilous as a section of the roof collapsed, prompting a swift evacuation of the area.
Russia's Investigative Committee, the nation's primary law enforcement body, confirmed that the structure had been targeted by Ukrainian shelling. While specific details regarding the casualties were not immediately disclosed, the Russian Health Ministry reported at least 17 individuals sustaining injuries in the aftermath.
Rescue efforts are currently underway in the Belgorod region, where repeated air raid alerts have been issued. The city itself faced an attack the previous evening, resulting in one fatality and 29 injuries, according to local authorities.
Since May 2023, cities in western Russia have been subjected to drone attacks, with Russian officials consistently pointing to Kyiv as the source. Ukrainian officials, however, have not acknowledged responsibility for these cross-border assaults.
The Belgorod region, situated along Russia's western border, has borne the brunt of numerous strikes in recent times. While most incidents occur in rural areas, the capital has not been immune to such attacks. In a tragic event last December, shelling in central Belgorod claimed the lives of 25 individuals, prompting the authorities to initiate the construction of public shelters.
