Russia says it thwarted attempt by Ukrainian troops to ‘invade’ Belgorod region

Russia said Thursday it had used jets and artillery to thwart an attempt by Ukrainian troops to “invade” its southwestern Belgorod region.

“At about 3:00 am (0000 GMT), Ukrainian units comprising up to two motorized infantry companies, reinforced with tanks, attempted to invade,” the Russian defense ministry said.

Moscow used jets and artillery to repel the attacks and prevent Ukrainian troops from crossing over into Russia, the ministry added.

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Earlier, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said eight people had been wounded and some buildings damaged in overnight shelling by Ukrainian forces. He said a residential building in the border town of Shebekino had been set ablaze after being hit by Grad rocket systems.

“Shebekino is facing uninterrupted shelling” with rocket launchers, Gladkov said on Telegram, accusing Ukrainian forces of bombarding “the center and periphery” of the town.

“Eight people were injured. There were no fatalities,” he said, revising his earlier toll of five.

“Of course, the life of civilians and of the population is threatened,” he said, adding that evacuations would commence “once the situation is calmer.”

“The enemy has not penetrated on Belgorod's soil,” he said.

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